YORK COUNTY — Two students from York High School (YHS) lost their lives in a fatal car accident over the weekend.
The accident occurred Friday and involved a collision between a tractor-trailer and an SUV in the 100 block of Yorktown Road.
The Newport News Police Department responded. When officers arrived they found one of the victims dead at the scene. The other was taken for treatment for life-threatening injuries and succumbed at the hospital.
YHS Principal Shannon Butler addressed the tragic incident in a voice mail to parents Saturday afternoon.
“As many of you are aware, there was a fatal car accident on Yorktown Road in Newport News yesterday. I’m saddened to confirm that this accident did involve two York High Students. 9th grader Jacobi Cockrell and Daequan Hawkins. We know this is an unexpected and sudden loss. While school is no longer in session, we will have counselors and support in place for our students and staff who would like to visit the school on Monday beginning at 10 a.m. I encourage you to understand that there will be a variety of emotions and responses to what has occurred. The most important thing we can do is to be supportive and respectful of the feelings of others. If you feel that your child needs additional assistance please contact us and we will do everything we can to help. Thank you.”
Community members held a candlelight vigil at Bailey Field Monday evening.
