Community Helping Families Of Teens Killed, Hurt In Crash

CANTON, GA — Days after a teenager was killed and three others were injured in a single-vehicle crash in Cherokee County, the community is coming together to help the families of the Creekview High School students whose lives have been turned upside down by the accident.

GoFundMe fundraisers have been created to help the families of Stevie Smith and Chase Burr. Smith, 17, died in the Nov. 27 collision on Old Orange Mill Road while Burr, also 17, was injured. Fred Engamba, 17, the driver of the vehicle, and a 15-year-old passenger were injured and treated at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. They have since been discharged from the facility.

As of Thursday, a little more than $10,000 has been donated to the Stevie Smith Memorial Fund while the Burr Family Fund has received more than $4,200. The Smith fund seeks to raise $15,000 while the campaign for Burr is hoping to receive $5,000.

"Stevie was liked and loved by so many in the school, on the track, and away," said fundraiser creator Glenn Braselton. "Stevie will truly be missed by so many. Please keeps Stevie’s family in your thoughts and prayers."

The Creekview Track & Field Team said Wednesday on its Facebook page that Smith's dad is "in great pain."

"He just wants me to let you guys know that he is grateful for all the support and love that they have received during this tragic time," the team said. "Arrangements have not been completed at this time, but as soon as they are I will get them out to everyone. Please keep Stevie’s family in your thoughts and prayers."

Money donated to the Smith family will help relieve the financial burden of planning a funeral for the Creekview High School senior. Braselton added on the Burr Family Fund page that Chase Burr will most likely remain in the hospital for a couple of weeks.

"Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time of need," Braselton added. "As with everything, there is always a financial burden. Our goal is to remove that burden so the Burr family can concentrate on their healing and recovery."

The track and field team on Thursday told its Facebook followers that Burr "woke up in really good spirits this morning."

"He was able to get some really good, much-needed rest last night," the page states. "Although he is still in the ICU, things seem to continue to look up. Please keep Chase and his family in your prayers."

A meal train has also been set up to help the Burr family, and you can view more details about logistics by clicking here.

The collision was reported around 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 on Old Orange Mill Road in eastern Cherokee County. Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jay Baker said the vehicle was traveling on the road near Ga. 20/Cumming Highway when it left the roadway and crashed into a tree. Baker said accident investigators have obtained a search warrant for Engamba's blood.

"Although charges are likely, investigators will wait until they complete their investigation and until toxicology results return before determining what charges to file," Baker previously said.

You can make visit the GoFundMe page for Stevie Smith and Chase Burr to consider making donations.

Photo: Chase Burr, left, and Stevie Smith. Credit: Michelle Thomas Photography