DHS senior killed in wreck (updated)

Jacob Birdwell, a senior at Danville High School, died Wednesday morning from injuries he sustained in a two-car accident on Danville Road, about two miles north of Neel.

The crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. as Birdwell was on his way to school. He was airlifted by Med Flight to Huntsville Hospital where he died about an hour later.

He was wearing a seat belt, according to State Troopers.

The other vehicle involved was driven by Sherry Vaughan, 52 of Arley, who was injured.

DHS Principal Gilmer Ellis said the teenager’s death came as a big shock to students, especially his senior classmates. Consequently, grief counselors were brought in to meet with students, and were expected to return on Thursday. The seniors were also permitted to meet as a means of expressing their sorrow and offer support to their classmate’s family.

“Jacob had been attending Danville school since kindergarten,” Ellis stated. “He was well-behaved and a fine young man.”

The accident is still under investigation by State Troopers