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A Georgia high school graduate, his girlfriend, who also received her diploma, and his dad were killed in a freak accident when a large tree smashed into their car on a highway.
Kencerio Walker and his girlfriend Nykeria Johnson, both 18, and his dad James, 65, died after a tree toppled and struck their blue Ford Taurus while they were traveling on Georgia’s Highway 56 South in Burke County, Saturday night, the Augusta Press reported.
The trio was found dead inside their car — just two days after the graduation ceremony at Swainsboro High School.
James K. Walker, 65, with his son Kencerio, 18, and his son’s girlfriend Nykeria JohnsonFamily Handout
Their vehicle was just one of two cars struck by the falling tree – an 18-year-old man, who was driving a black Jeep Cherokee, suffered minor injuries, WAFB reported.
Heartbreaking video, which has since been shared on Facebook, showed Walker embracing his dad on the school’s football field after receiving his diploma.
In the video, James, a former school employee, couldn’t hide his pride as he brought his son in for a hug, while clutching onto a bunch of orange balloons.
Another photo shared from the ceremony showed James with his arms around Walker and Johnson.
Tributes have poured in for the three victims, with Ashley Roberson, a Jesus Saves Church youth pastor, describing Walker as a “leader.”
“He was a leader but he was a leader in the way most people wouldn’t expect to see a leader,” Roberson told WRDW. “He led by example.”
After his graduation, Walker called his pal Martha Bretwon after he graduated and told her he “loved” her.
“Not knowing this would be the last time I would see u alive,” she wrote on social media, according to the Augusta Press.
James, who previously worked at Swainsboro’s Emanuel Medical Center, was described as a “father figure” with a “good heart” by his devastated ex-co-workers.
“He’s always positive, he always has a positive attitude, and he always has something nice to say,” Renfroe said, describing her friend as a “ray of sunshine.”
James Walker was a former school employee. Family HandoutChrissie Childs, a family friend of the Walkers, described James as a “kind man” and someone who was “always so nice.”
Swainsboro school officials described the tragedy as a “devastating accident” and a “heartbreaking loss.”
This was echoed by Jonathan McCollar, the Statesboro Mayor, who wrote online, “The tragic loss of Kencerio Walker, Nykeria Johnson, and James Walker is heartbreaking beyond words.
“What should have been a season of celebration and new beginnings has instead become a moment of deep sorrow for an entire community.
“As a father, a mayor, and a fellow citizen of Southeast Georgia, my heart aches for the Walker family, the loved ones of Nykeria Johnson, their classmates, friends, teachers, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.
“Life can change in an instant, and moments like these remind us to hold our loved ones a little closer and never take tomorrow for granted.”
A vigil has since been held for the two graduates.
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