SMITHFIELD – Hundreds of people attended a Remembrance Vigil, Wednesday evening, at Smithfield Selma High School. SSS students, parents, staff, and community members gathered to remember five students who have lost their lives this school year, including four teenagers who died Monday morning in a single vehicle traffic accident.
Alan Lockamy, Freddy Seras, Christopher Jackson, and Semaj Williams died in the motor vehicle accident. Kali Hwang died last November.
SSS High Principal Crystal Gregory and School Board Chair Lyn Andrews were among those to speak.
Gregory said, “Our hearts are heavy at Smithfield-Selma High School after our most recent loss of four SSS students on January 22, 2024 through a tragic accident. There are no words to describe the immense pain that radiates amongst our students, our families, our staff, and our community at large. While we continue to grieve the lives of Alan Lockamy, Christopher Jackson Jr., Semaj Williams, and Freddy Seras we are determined to not let their deaths be in vain. We will continue to strive for excellence and help to facilitate an environment where students can grow and become the best versions of themselves. While this moment is a time of gloom in many ways, what is clear is that we are a community that is strong and exuberates an immense level of pride. We will rally around these families and our students to ensure a brighter tomorrow. We are forever #SSStrong.”
Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy released a statement saying, “The Johnston County Public Schools system is deeply saddened by the unfortunate accident that has claimed the lives of four of our students on January 22, 2024. We are remorseful for the families of these students as they deal with this sudden loss and navigate the days ahead. Our hearts grieve with theirs.”
“We understand that this incident has impacted many students and staff members throughout the district, particularly those of the Smithfield-Selma High community. We have lost individuals who have been considered family and friends. Our district will continue to offer the support needed to the many people who have been impacted and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
Prayers for the families 🙏. Also prayers for their friends.
I miss you so much babyboy im so lost here without you were like a brother to me i can’t do this thing called life without you it hurts me so much i never question god but why did he have to take you my bestfriend we planned on graduating together semaj.. u really took me for a loop wit this one, i wish i stopped you from getting in that car , i love you so much n i just don’t know how to deal with this pain im going thru right now i text your phone everyday hoping you will reply… knowing you won’t thursday will make a month you’ve been gone and i can’t even seem to shake this rn… i cry day n night because i miss you so much you have my heart with you forever please keep watching over me and your family know i got them 4L! n i promise you that no matter what the circumstances are i got you and i will always make sure yo fam str8 i promise you that! you were the best thing that has ever came into my life and for that i thank you so much for making those 4 ,5 years i’ve known u the best years of my life! I love you so much babyboy save me a spot up der wit you twin💙. LONGLIVESEMAJ!