Teen Killed in Crash Mourned
posted 10:54 pm Thu April 03, 2008 - Halifax Co., VA
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Wednesday night, he led his team to a victory. Now, Tyler Hunt is gone, leaving devastated classmates behind. State Police say 16-year-old Tyler Hunt died right in front of his house Thursday morning.
They say he pulled out of his driveway on Route 501 and a tractor trailer t-boned his truck. Hunt played Varsity baseball at Halifax County High School. They've set up a memorial there at the school's baseball field. The school put up a tent within hours of the accident Thursday morning.
Almost everything out here is Blue and White -- two colors that mean so much to the Comets and meant the world to Tyler.
It happened in an instant.
Justin Bagbey, Teammate – “It’s still hard to get over I just can’t believe it because I didn’t believe it would happen to him.”
Justin Bagbey says his fellow teammate was dedicated. Tyler Hunt starting playing as a Freshman.
Bagbey – “Baseball was, other than his family, baseball was his life.”
His coaches saw his talent from the start.
Allen Lawter, Athletic Director – “Had a lot of drive and you know, that’s impressive in anybody regardless of whether you want to be an athlete or whatever, the drive, and he had it, he wanted to be as good as he good be.”
Wednesday night he proved it, pitching 5 innings and leading the Comets to a home victory.
Lawter – “He was a Comet. He wore the Comet blue and white with pride and he represented it with pride and it is going to be tough.”
Tough because not just athletes wear the schools colors.
Principal Albert Randolph, Halifax County High School - Anytime we lose a student at Halifax County High School, being a large school, were a large family.
A family that’s going to miss seeing number 20 in the dugout.
Ally Thompson, Friend – “He was an amazing athlete and an amazing person and a great friend.”
Bagbey – “He loved all his teammates, we all loved him back. Were going to dedicate this season to Hunt.”
Tyler's friends tell me he was also a big Carolina fan and was looking forward to this weekend's final four games. The team is already planning ways to remember him on the field this season. They're going to sew Tyler's number, number 20, on to their hats.
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