Two high school graduates, family member killed after large tree falls on car

WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/Gray News) — Two recent high school graduates were among three people killed in a crash, officials said.

The crash happened Saturday on Highway 56 South, about a half-mile south of Pine Hill Church Road, when a large tree fell across both lanes and struck two cars.

The Burke County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as James K. Walker, 65; his son, Kencerio D. Walker, 18; and Nykeria Johnson, 18.

Investigators said the falling tree hit a black Jeep Cherokee and a blue Ford Taurus. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office said the Jeep was found on the north side of the tree, and investigators determined it was struck by the falling tree.

Deputies found the Taurus on the south side of the tree with significant damage, officials said.

Emergency responders found all three victims inside the vehicle, and all were pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.

The driver of the Jeep, an 18-year-old man from Midville, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital, officials said.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate.

Swainsboro High School officials said Kencerio Walker and Nykeria Johnson were members of the Class of 2026. The school said James Walker was a family member and a former Swainsboro High School employee.

“It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the tragic pᴀssing of two of our most recent graduates from the Class of 2026, Nykeria Laniya Johnson and Kencerio Deontae Walker,” the school said in a statement. “The two were involved in a devastating accident last night that also claimed the life of a family member who was a former employee of Swainsboro High School.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families, friends, classmates and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss.”

The Emanuel County School District said in a statement Monday that it is “deeply saddened” by the loss.

A candlelight vigil planned by members of the Class of 2026 was held Monday morning.

Messages of support have poured in from schools and leaders across the region.

Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar said in part: “Today, the entire Statesboro community stands with our neighbors in Swainsboro during this unimaginable time of grief. The tragic loss of Kencerio Walker, Nykeria Johnson and James Walker is heartbreaking beyond words. … Please know that Swainsboro is not grieving alone. Statesboro is praying with you, mourning with you, and standing beside you.”