OSG High: Three Brooks County Players Killed In Traffic Accident (UPDATED)

Three Brooks County (GA) High School football players died following a morning wreck near the town of Quitman in

southwest Georgia. The teenagers were reportedly on their way to football practice at the high school when the accident occurred.

(The truck involved in the wreck is pictured right, thanks WCTV))

Valdosta Today is reporting the deaths as Brooks seniors Jicarrie Watkins, Shawn Waters and Johnie Parker, a junior- all pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. A fourth student, identified as De'Vron Whitfield, was taken from the scene by helicopter and remains in critical condition. It is believed that Whitfield was life-flighted to Shands Hospital as WCTV-TV reports that he was ejected from the vehicle.

Watkins was an all-region defensive lineman for Maurice Freeman's Trojans in 2012. He wore #72 in 2012.
Shawn Waters was a rising senior at running back and linebacker and wore #32 in 2012.
Johnie Parker was rising junior at tight end and linebacker last season wore #26 in 2012.
De'Vron Whitfield played running back and defensive back and wore #7 in 2012.

The team was set to be a top-10 team in Double-A this year in Georgia High School football...

Here's the Trojans in 2012 in their win against Mitchell County...
((HT: mitchellcountyga))


Here's Whitfield in action against Cook High School, thanks to Devron Whitfield's Facebook page...

Brooks County Schools have released a statement:

Brooks County Schools is saddened by the tragic car accident that killed three of its high school students and left one in critical condition. Counselors are available to support students and staff during this difficult time.

Brooks County Schools ask that the community, students and staff please keep the families of these students in this tragic accident in their prayers.

At this time we are unable to confirm any further details. There will be a prayer vigil at 6pm tonight in the cafeteria at Brooks County High School

PM UPDATE: According to a later post by Chappelle, it appears the driver of the pick-up- a Ford Expedition- lost control of it, veered to the left, and struck a tree.

Troopers say they weren't wearing their seat belts and that speed may have been a factor in the crash.

Head Coach Maurice Freeman released the following statement on his Facebook page:

In God We Trust. One way or the other the Trojans will still Bring That Hammer.
RIP Trojan LB's Shawn, Watkins and Johnny. Love Coach Freeman.