Crash claims sisters in front of their school
L-K officials say counselors will be available on campus
LINDEN, Texas — Two sisters died early Saturday morning in a car accident in front of their high school.
Linden-Kildare students Shantey Hawkins, a sophomore, and Adryanna Hawkins, a freshman, died when the 2012 Dodge Charger they were traveling in collided with a log truck just after 7 a.m. Saturday on Farm-to-Market Road 125, 4 miles southeast of Linden, according to a preliminary
Texas Department of Public Safety report.
Their mother, Gwendolyn Louise Spignor-Leaks, 42, was injured in the accident and taken to CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana, officials said.
“Our hearts are grieving for these students and their families. Please join us in keeping them at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers as we all attempt to cope with this sudden and tragic loss,” said a statement on Linden-Kildare C-ISD’s
Facebook page.
The district has made counselors available to anyone in the school community. These counselors have been assigned to the high school and will remain in place for as long as needed.
They will offer support to any of district’s students and staff members.
Spignor-Leaks, of Linden, was trying to turn left into the school parking lot when the collision occurred, said Sgt. Jean M. Dark, a spokeswoman for DPS.
The girls’ mother allegedly turned in front of a northwest-bound 1974 Kenworth log truck driven by Timothy
Dale Davis, 61, of Bivins, Texas, according to the DPS report.
L-K Principal Shekita Martin called the two sisters the “epitome of the model student.”
“They were kind, loving and sweet and will be truly missed by the entire student body and staff.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family,” Martin said.
District Superintendent Keri Winters said, “It is a blessing in this profession to get to know and love so many kids.
“Our school and community are heartbroken over the loss of these two precious students.”