💔 A Bright Light Lost: Hueytown Mourns Jace Watkins, 11, After Sudden Illness
The Hueytown, Alabama community is mourning the unimaginable loss of 11-year-old Jace Watkins. The fifth grader at Hueytown Intermediate School tragically died Saturday night from complications related to the flu.
Jace’s grandmother, Joann Parsons, reached out to express deep gratitude. “I want to thank you and all those who have reached out,” she said, confirming the extended family appreciates the massive outpouring of community support.
Joann Parsons shared that funeral arrangements for Jace will be released very soon.
😭 A Heartbroken School Family
Hueytown Intermediate School Principal Cari McClellan released a deeply emotional statement on the tragic loss.
“Our hearts are broken this morning,” Principal McClellan wrote. She confirmed that fifth grader Jace Watkins passed away “after a brief and sudden illness.”
“There really aren’t words to adequately describe what we’re feeling right now.” The principal acknowledged the immense grief felt by the entire school community.
“Jace was a bright light to everyone who knew him,” she continued. “His sweet genuine smile will be missed by all of us at HIS.”
The principal asked the community to continue praying. Prayers are needed for Jace’s grieving family and for the school family as they all work to navigate this “unimaginable loss.”
💖 Remembering a Great Kid
Jace Watkins was described by those who knew him as a great kid. He had a deep love for the outdoors, and above all else, he cherished his family.
The loss is particularly difficult for Jace’s peers. Eleven to thirteen-year-olds are in the formative years of their lives, and the community can only imagine how hard these young students are processing this sudden tragedy.
The call for continued support for Jace’s family is vital. The support from friends, teachers, and the community “will mean more than we know” during this profoundly difficult time of mourning.
