A memorial continues to grow around the tree where Lakewood High School students crashed Tuesday after school.
Bryson Welton-Williams died. Joshua Heath and Trey Lattimore were injured.
Cortez McKenzie says his uncle, Heath, is doing much better.
“He’s doing good. He’s talking,” said McKenzie.
Heath was one of the students in the single car crash Tuesday that took the life of fellow senior, Welton-Williams.
Heath took to Facebook Live to let his classmates know he’s still in the ICU, but recovering.
He was emotional talking about his friend Welton-Williams.
“I’ve seen him cry about Bryson and he’s taking that kind of hard too,” said McKenzie.
Lattimore was in the back seat of the car. He was released from the hospital yesterday.
After school Wednesday, students stopped by the tree. Many were overcome with grief.
The growing memorial is now decorated with balloons, teddy bears and poster boards that read “rest in peace.” Grief counselors were sent to the school Wednesday morning.
“The students are holding up fairly well,” said Principal Erin Savage. “Today we probably had about 50 or 60 students to come into the media center where we had grief counselors.”
McKenzie said Welton-Williams will not be forgotten.
“Everybody knew Bryson. Around school, everybody just knew Bryson. He was that kid that just made everybody laugh,” he said. “We’re going to show love to Bryson and do it big for Bryson this year. Everything for Bryson.”
Principal Savage said she spoke to Welton-William’s mother Wednesday. They’re tentatively planning to hold a memorial service for students at the school Sunday.
