Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty
The tragic Oklahoma car accident thatkilled six high school students in Tishomingoon Tuesday hit close to home for residentBlake Shelton, who paid tribute to the young victims in a new statement.
The country star, 45, mourned the deaths of the six teenage girls in a heartfelt message thatreferenced his own lossof his 24-year-old brotherRichiein a car crash in 1990.
“In the wake of yesterday’s unthinkable crash in our small town of Tishomingo, we as a community have all been in shock and broken-hearted,” Shelton said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “I personally know the devastation of suddenly losing a loved one in a car accident. But our community is strong and has come together to support and wrap our arms around the families and friends that are hurting the most.”
“There’s no question it will take a long time to heal from this tragedy. Keep the prayers coming,” Wednesday’s statement concluded.
TheVoicecoach owns a ranch in the small city of Tishomingo, which is home to just over 3,000 people.
NewsNation KFOR via AP
Tragedy struck on Tuesday afternoon when the girls' small passenger vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer.
The teens, all students at Tishomingo High School, were reportedly on their way to lunch off-campus when the incident occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 377 and State Highway 22,NBC Newsreported.
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“Our prayers are with each of the families involved and our community. This is an absolute tragedy which will have lifelong effects,” the Johnston County Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office said onFacebook. “This community and families need our support and prayers at this time.”
The driver and front-seat passenger were the only occupants wearing seatbelts in the 2015 Chevrolet Spark, which is only meant to seat four people, according toThe Oklahoman.
“They were happy girls, for sure,” friend Zay Kemp told the paper. “They were a mood brightener.”
Shelton, meanwhile, has been open about the pain he’s facedfollowing the loss of his brother, who died when the singer was just 14 years old.
The Grammy-nominated country star wrote the 2011 song “Over You” with then-wifeMiranda Lambertas a tribute to Richie.
source: people.com
