Creekview Student Killed In Cherokee County Accident

CANTON, GA — The Creekview High School community is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old student who died Tuesday afternoon in an accident in eastern Cherokee County.

Deputies with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the single-vehicle collision around 2 p.m. Nov. 27 on Old Orange Mill Road, which is off Cumming Highway north of Owens Store Road. Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jay Baker said the car was occupied by a 17-year-old driver and three passengers.

Creekview senior Stephen Smith, 17, a front-seat passenger inside the car, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The driver and backseat passenger, both 17, were seriously injured and transported to WellStar Kennestone Hospital for treatment. Another passenger, a 15-year-old who was also sitting in the backseat, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Kennestone for treatment.

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Creekview High School Principal Dr. Mark Merges informed parents of the tragedy in a letter dispatched Tuesday afternoon. The school "experienced a great loss" in Smith's death. Dr. Merges noted other students were seriously injured in the collision, and the Creekview family is keeping those accident victims in their prayers.

"Stephen was an energetic student who was known as a friend to all," the principal said. "He always came to class in a good mood with a smile on his face. He was always willing to help out classmates, and loved Track and Field, especially the jumping events."

Creekview counselors will be on hand over the next few days for students who may have questions or need support. The school is also encouraging parents and/or guardians to discuss these sudden tragedies with their youngsters.

"On behalf of the Creekview High School staff, we extend our sincerest commitment to continue providing an environment of academic and personal growth for your child," the principal said. "We will stick together and help each other to get through this very sad and difficult time."

The names of the other students have not been released at this time. The accident remains under investigation by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Traffic Enforcement Unit. Return to Patch for updates.

Photo: Stephen Smith. Credit: Michelle Thomas Photography