19-year-old Brayden Hopkins and 15-year-old Hayden Carter died in a car crash on Thinwood Drive after their vehicle collided with a parked semi-trailer.
In a heartbreaking incident, Brayden Hopkins, 19, and Hayden Carter, 15, lost their lives in a car accident on Thinwood Drive in Cocke County. The accident occurred when their vehicle failed to navigate a curve, went off the road, and hit a parked semi-trailer.
The accident happened on a Tuesday evening, leading to a swift response from the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff CJ Ball confirmed the fatalities and expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “We are all devastated for the families involved,” Ball said. “Our community will come together for these families and do whatever we can to help them in this time of need. Everyone involved needs prayers to lift them up during this tragedy.”
Hayden Carter was a talented young athlete, known in the community for her basketball skills. She was set to be the starting point guard for the Cocke County High School team in the upcoming season. Her sudden death has left a significant void in the school’s sports community and among her peers and teachers.
The Newport City School System, where Carter was a student, released a statement on social media, expressing their grief and support for her family. “The faculty and staff of Newport Grammar School send our thoughts and prayers to the family of Hayden Carter. Hayden was, and will always be, a part of Warrior Nation. She will be missed greatly by all those who had the opportunity to know her.”
Brayden Hopkins, originally from Kingsport, was visiting family in Cocke County at the time of the accident. His brief presence in the area was cherished by those who knew him, and his passing has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from the Kingsport community as well.
The loss of these two young lives has deeply affected the Cocke County community and beyond. Friends, family, and community members are offering their condolences and support to the grieving families. Memorials and tributes have been shared online, highlighting the positive impact Carter and Hopkins had on those around them.
As the investigation into the accident continues, authorities are urging the public to exercise caution on the roads. The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office is expected to provide further updates as more details become available.
The sudden and tragic deaths of Brayden Hopkins and Hayden Carter are a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. The community’s response, characterized by a collective effort to support the grieving families, exemplifies the strength and compassion of Cocke County. The memories of Carter and Hopkins will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew them, leaving a lasting legacy of love and resilience.
