2 GA Grads, Dad Killed After Tree Falls On Car: Reports

Two recent high-school graduates and a parent were recently killed after a massive tree fell on two vehicles Saturday along Highway 56 in Burke County, according to school officials and multiple media reports.

Deputies responded to the crash Saturday night on Highway 56 South in the area of Story Mill Road. The Burke County Sheriff's Office did not publicly reveal the details that led to the deadly crash but stated in a Facebook post that there were injuries.

A large tree toppled across two traffic lanes and crashed into a blue Ford Taurus and a black Jeep Cherokee, WRDW reported Sunday.

The three people who died were found in the Taurus, which sustained heavy damage and rested on the south end of the tree, WRDW reported.

The Jeep was reportedly located on the tree's north side. The 18-year-old driver, a Midville resident, suffered minor injuries and received treatment, WRDW reported.

The crash killed James K. Walker, 65, Kencerio D. Walker, his 18-year-old son, and Nykeria Johnson, the younger Walker's 18-year-old girlfriend, the Augusta Press reported.

Johnson and Kencerio Walker were identified as Class of 2026 graduates of Swainsboro High School in Emanuel County.

Though schools officials did not identify James Walker by name, they said the crash killed a family member who formerly worked at Swainsboro High.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families, friends, classmates and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss," school officials said in a statement.

Swainsboro Mayor Lillie Ann Brown shared a photo of the trio in a Facebook post published Monday.

In the post, Brown said she has known their families for a number of years.

"My sincere condolences go out to the families of these individuals. ... I pray that God be with them in this difficult time. But I want each and every citizen of Swainsboro and Emanuel County to know that everything happens for a reason, whether it is good or bad," she wrote in the post.

"As I ponder and ask God what should I learn from this. I am asking everyone to ask the same question, because God is speaking to this entire city and county. But I am asking as Mayor of this city, that we continue to pray for these families and for this city, and we come to realize that God made us in his image and we are one, and we need to stand as one. Thank You and may My God Continue To Keep Each And Every One Of Us In His Care And Protection."

GoFundMe fundraisers have been set up for Johnson and for the Walker family. Both online fundraisers have gathered more than $6,000 collectively.

The weather caused the postponement of a candlelight vigil planned by the Class of 2026, according to school officials.