A single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning in South Pittsburg has claimed the lives of four young people and left another in critical condition.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol's preliminary accident report, Jamal Allen, 20, Jayven Martin, 22, Sayveon Martin, 20, and a 16-year-old who was not identified because they were a minor, all of South Pittsburg, were killed when the 2010 Toyota Camry in which they were traveling crossed the centerline, left the roadway and struck a tree on South Pittsburg Mountain Road near mile marker 11 at 1:40 a.m.
South Pittsburg High School officials later confirmed that the 16-year-old killed in the crash was Jailyn Pellam.
A 17-year-old passenger was airlifted to a local hospital and listed in critical condition.
The three older casualties were all South Pittsburg High School graduates and former athletes at the school, while both minors attended the high school and were also well-known athletes in the community.
"Our community is devastated to lose four promising young men so suddenly," high school Principal Paige Hill said. "Our Pirate family is heartbroken and we ask everyone to keep the families and all of us in your prayers.
"Every one of them were sweet, kind-hearted kids with bright futures. We thank everyone who has shown an outpouring of love and support."
High school officials have announced a candlelight vigil will be held at Beene Stadium, the school's football field, at 7 p.m. Saturday. Hill requested the presence of ministers, counselors or healthcare workers who wish to attend to help as grief counselors.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.