GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Lanier High community is mourning the loss of a student and member of the school's golf team after he died in a car crash earlier this week.
The Lanier Longhorns golf team's Twitter account wrote Monday: "Landon made us better people and we will miss him more than words can express!"
"It is with great sadness & a heavy heart that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved teammate, Landon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hardie family during this difficult time," the team account added.
According to a Gwinnett County Police report, the crash happened on Sunday just after midnight. The report said Landon Hardie hit another car head-on while he was taking a curve on Moore Road. Hardie crossed into the oncoming lane, crashing into the vehicle.
The other driver, according to the report, was also a teenager.
Lanier High School Principal Dr. Christopher Martin released a statement to families describing the community as "close, caring, and supportive."
"This news profoundly saddens us as the loss of such a young promising life touches us all," Martin wrote. "Our hearts and thoughts are with the student's family, friends, and loved ones as they cope with this tremendous personal loss."
He added that teachers will be keeping an eye out for students who may be struggling in the wake of Hardie's death. They also have social workers and counselors that can provide extra support to students who need it.
"Dealing with death is complex and challenging for high school-aged children," Martin said. "We will continue to monitor our students and be sensitive to their emotions and needs."
Read the full statement to families below:
Dear Lanier High School parents and guardians,
One of the things I value about our school community is that it is close, caring, and supportive. It is with deep sadness that I inform you about the tragic loss of a Lanier High School family member. We were recently informed that one of our students passed away over the weekend in a traffic accident. This news profoundly saddens us as the loss of such a promising young life touches us all. Our hearts and thoughts are with the student's family, friends, and loved ones as they cope with this tremendous personal loss. Out of respect for our student’s family, I wanted to be sure you heard about this terrible situation from me.
As news of this student’s passing is shared, we realize that some of our students may need additional support as they grieve for their classmate and friend. We also know that for some of our students, this may be the first time they have experienced a loss and may need support. With that said, I wanted to share with you the steps we are taking to serve any student who needs assistance. We notified our staff about this situation so that they are ready to help our students, keeping an eye out for anyone struggling. Our counselors and social workers are well-trained in helping children with complex issues such as this, and they are available at school to support any student who may need it. Dealing with death is complex and challenging for high school-aged children. If your child needs help or wants to talk to someone about this situation, please don’t hesitate to contact the school (678.765.4040).
We will continue to monitor our students and be sensitive to their emotions and needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with us at Lanier HS. We know you share our concern, support, and deepest sympathy for the family.