In a poignant display of love, support, and remembrance, the community of Cleveland High School in Bradley County, Tennessee, came together to honor the lives of two students tragically lost in a car accident over the weekend. Air’ra Wilson and Shytez Jackson, beloved members of the school community, were remembered fondly as students, staff, and community members gathered at Benny Monroe Stadium for a heartfelt vigil.
The atmosphere at the vigil was one of solemn reflection and shared grief as those in attendance paid tribute to Air’ra and Shytez. Both students had left an indelible mark on the lives of those they knew and loved, and their untimely passing has left a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing them.
Air’ra Wilson, just weeks away from graduation, had her bright future tragically cut short in the car accident. Cleveland High School principal Bob Pritchard expressed the heartbreak felt by the entire school community, particularly as they approach what should have been a joyous milestone for Air’ra. “It’s heartbreaking, and it’s going to be hard on May 10th when she doesn’t walk across the stage,” Pritchard lamented.
The news of the accident, which occurred on the same day as the school’s prom, sent shockwaves through the school community. Assistant principal Eric Garner recalled the immediate response from school staff as they gathered to provide support and counseling to students in need. “We all met in the lobby of our high school to be present for students that may have needed counseling or needed some support services yesterday, so we were there,” Garner recounted.
Air’ra and Shytez were remembered not only for their academic achievements but also for the lasting impact they had on those around them. Garner spoke fondly of Shytez, describing him as a natural leader with the ability to positively influence his peers. “Shytez was a leader. We had several conversations about his leadership and his ability to change the temperature of an entire classroom. He was such a leader,” Garner reflected.
Moses Wikelund, a close friend of Shytez, echoed Garner’s sentiments, emphasizing the profound impact Shytez had on those around him. “It takes a toll on me in ways that I can’t even describe. But I just know that they had beautiful, beautiful souls and they were the life of any event,” Wikelund shared, highlighting the vibrant spirit and infectious energy that defined Air’ra and Shytez’s presence.
For Pritchard, the loss of Air’ra was deeply personal, having watched her grow up over the years. “She was a student at Mayfield Elementary School, and I watched her every morning. I can still picture the car coming around the corner there,” Pritchard reminisced, illustrating the profound impact Air’ra had on those who knew her from a young age.
As the Cleveland High School community grapples with the profound loss of Air’ra and Shytez, Monday marks the first day of school without their presence. The void left by their absence is palpable, but the community remains united in their commitment to honoring their memory and supporting one another through this difficult time.
Assistant principal Eric Garner emphasized the far-reaching impact of the tragedy, highlighting how it has touched the entire community of Cleveland High School and beyond. “Husbands, wives children, work and attend this, this district and so when we have a tragedy like this, as you guys saw, it impacts the entire community,” Garner remarked, underscoring the collective grief and solidarity that has emerged in the wake of the accident.
As the investigation into the accident continues, questions linger about the circumstances leading up to the fatal crash. The Bradley County District Attorney’s office has been contacted for comment, but the investigation is still ongoing, leaving many in the community eager for answers and closure.
In the midst of profound grief and sorrow, the vigil held for Air’ra Wilson and Shytez Jackson served as a beacon of hope and healing for the Cleveland High School community. Through shared memories, heartfelt tributes, and unwavering support, the community has come together to honor the lives of two remarkable individuals who will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
