A tragic turn of events forced cancellation of Kirk Academy’s Homecoming festivities last Friday afternoon following a deadly All-Terrain Vehicle accident.
Senior Leah Fielder, 17, died as the result of injuries sustained in the ATV accident, which occurred just over the Carroll County line on Carrollton Road. Classmate Kaycie Clements suffered multiple injuries and remains hospitalized at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson after being airlifted from the scene. She has undergone several surgeries as she recovers.
“Due to a tragedy in the KA family, all Homecoming festivities are canceled for this evening,” KA officials announced two hours before Homecoming festivities were set to begin. “The football game will still be played, but no cheerleaders will be performing. We ask that you pray for our Kirk community at this time.”
Fielder, a Duck Hill resident, was a lifelong member of Elliott Baptist Church. Her pastor, Michael Payton, was one of three local clergymen to speak during a candlelight vigil held Saturday evening in front of Kirk Academy.
“When you bury someone that’s in their 80s or 90s, it’s a little easier – it’s still not easy, but it’s a little bit easier,” Payton told the crowd on hand. “But whenever you take someone that is 17 years old and their life ends the way that Leah’s has, it’s tough – it’s tough on everybody. It’s tough on family and it’s tough on friends. I know it’s tough, I know it’s hard.”
Emmanuel Baptist Church pastor Dr. Brent Barker and Andy Cummings, minister of music at First Baptist Church Grenada, also spoke during the service.
Funeral services for Fielder were held Monday morning at Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was laid to rest in Elliott Baptist Church Cemetery.
A tribute to Fielder’s life will be featured in this Wednesday’s edition of The Star.
