Flomaton Elementary Grieving Loss Of Student Killed In Saturday Wreck Near Walnut Hill

October 5, 2020

Flomaton Elementary School is remembering a sixth grade student that lost his life in a wreck Saturday on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill. The crash also injured three other members of his family.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a 16-year old driver from Molino attempted to pass other traffic in a no passing zone and crashed his pickup truck into a Mitsubishi Outlander occupied by a family of four.

The crash claimed the life of 11-year old Jaden James, a sixth grader at Flomaton Elementary. His mother, 42-year old Lashelby James, was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital in critical condition. She is also part of the Flomaton Elementary family, working in the school’s cafeteria. Jaden’s 9-year old sister and his father were also seriously injured.

“Jaden James described in one word – CHRISTIAN! He unapologetically loved the Lord and wanted to be a preacher when he grew up,” Blaire Singleton, one of Jaden’s teachers said. “He had a heart of gold and the sweetest, most humble spirit. Jaden was shy but when he smiled, he would light up a room. He loved his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to help any way he could. His classmates always knew they could count on him.

“He loved his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to help any way he could. His classmates always knew they could count on him. He is THE shining example of our school motto- respect others, work hard, make good decisions, smile a lot, and love other people. That was Jaden James everyday!! I am forever grateful for knowing him because to know him was to love him,” Singleton continued.

Leslie Wedgeworth, Jaden’s third grade teacher, said he was always smiling and had a servant’s heart, always willing to serve.

“All the kids loved him and he was a teacher’s dream. I would always joke with Lashelby at lunch because he was honestly just too good to be true! He was smart, kind, happy, and funny. Jaden had a bright future ahead of him, but Heaven needed him more,” Wedgeworth said.

“I could not describe him better. Flomaton Elementary is a better place because Jaden was a part of it. He will forever be one of us,” Flomaton Elementary Principal George Brown said.

Additional counselors will be on hand Monday at Flomaton Elementary to assist students and staff as they grieve.

For more on the wreck, click or tap here.

Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

26 Responses to “Flomaton Elementary Grieving Loss Of Student Killed In Saturday Wreck Near Walnut Hill”

  1. Roberta on October 7th, 2020 9:37 pm

    God Bless this family!! May God speed his healing to all of you.

  2. Frankie Samuel on October 7th, 2020 10:12 am

    I am praying for the family’s strength and that they will find comfort in Jesus. I love this family.

  3. Barbara G Ryals on October 6th, 2020 12:03 pm

    @Kevin Enfinger….spot on!!!! Sad,but still needs to be held accountable for his decision…………

  4. Fonda Hargett on October 5th, 2020 10:59 pm

    My thoughts & prayers are with the family .

  5. Dana Covington on October 5th, 2020 8:53 pm

    praying for the family, this is such a tragedy breaks my heart

  6. Jdub on October 5th, 2020 6:51 pm

    So heartbreaking. Many thoughts and prayers for this family as they have lost a precious child of God. I do not know this family but my heart aches deeply for you all. I cannot even begin to imagine your pain & loss. May the rest of your family involved recover swiftly from your injuries. I pray that 16 year old kid that caused this senseless tragedy learns from his terrible decision and may justice be served toward him.

  7. Kevin Enfinger on October 5th, 2020 6:41 pm

    Such a sad and unfortunate event to happen. People need to slow down and respect their vehicles traffic laws and roads. I feel sorry for the 16 year old that caused this and even though he was just beginning his life, He should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Theres no excuse in this he made the decision to illegally pass in a no passing zone which resulted in the death of another being.

  8. Family on October 5th, 2020 5:52 pm

    We’re Going to Miss You so Much Jaden… Such a sweet Kid Y’all.

  9. Lillian L Dean on October 5th, 2020 5:16 pm

    No words can express what I am feeling for the families. It is heart wrenching to know of this tragedy. Let all of us pray and embrace at this time, nothing more. In God we must Trust.

  10. Carlos E McGugin on October 5th, 2020 2:47 pm

    A terrible tragedy for sure. Such a promising young life gone. I feel such sadness for the family.

  11. Bill on October 5th, 2020 2:42 pm

    Prayers for this wonderful family may they spiritual beliefs guide them through these trying times.

  12. Rasheed Jackson on October 5th, 2020 12:42 pm

    Prayers for this family and the community that has lost so much.

  13. Virginia Dodge on October 5th, 2020 12:30 pm

    Sorry for the loss of this beautiful young soul! Sorry to the family and friends of this family. Lord I pray that you help guide this family as the morn the loss of this young man who served your word the time he was here on this earth. Please place your hands upon everyone that is affected by the loss. Please place a healing hand upon his family that was injured that they heal fast! In Jesus name i pray AMEN and AMEN

  14. Christian on October 5th, 2020 12:30 pm

    Prayers

  15. Deborah Daugherty on October 5th, 2020 12:20 pm

    I feel so bad for this family,,God bless you all

  16. Marlene Findley on October 5th, 2020 11:55 am

    Praying for this family and our family at FES..

  17. David on October 5th, 2020 10:10 am

    This is so heart breaking to read.
    My love and prayers to the family at this sad time.

  18. WORRIED RESIDENT on October 5th, 2020 10:09 am

    My prayers go out to the James family. RIP Jaden!!

  19. Tc on October 5th, 2020 9:34 am

    So heartbreaking . Prayers sent to the family . God speed lil fella

  20. Native 1950 on October 5th, 2020 9:23 am

    Prayers for peace and comfort to cover the entire family and friends of this precious child.

  21. MIMI on October 5th, 2020 9:04 am

    Poor baby is Preaching with our Lord today! Praying for his Family and all who shared his life. Let the children come to me!!

  22. Jeff Dykes on October 5th, 2020 6:46 am

    My heart goes out to the the James family prayers sent .

  23. Justin on October 5th, 2020 5:50 am

    It’s a huge loss for the family and the community to lose a fine young man, so young. Just to hear about his strong character and his service to God enables me as an adult to serve more and be more like Jaden! God bless him, his family, and everyone involved in this accident. Thoughts and prayers for both families involved. In Jesus name.

  24. KK on October 5th, 2020 5:45 am

    My prayers go out to this beautiful child and his family.

  25. gage on October 5th, 2020 2:16 am

    rip lil bro, i’m gonna miss seeing you at school.. love you bro❤️

  26. paul on October 5th, 2020 2:13 am

    Oh Father bless this boy , we know he is in your embrace. So many suffering over this tragedy , bless and comfort all involved I ask in Jesus’s name…amen.