Hartselle community mourns tragic loss of students and mother

Schools to hold prayer vigil Monday to support grieving families

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing a group of people gathered in a dimly lit auditorium, their faces obscured by soft pools of warm light, conveying a sense of solemnity and community support.The Hartselle community comes together in a vigil to mourn the tragic loss and provide comfort to those affected by the devastating accident.Hartselle Today

The Hartselle community is in mourning after a devastating car accident claimed the lives of two children and their mother, all members of the Hartselle City Schools family. The crash occurred on Saturday in Moulton, Alabama, leaving two other children seriously injured. The school district is providing grief counselors and additional support for students and staff as they grapple with this unimaginable loss.

Why it matters

This tragic accident has deeply impacted the tight-knit Hartselle community, which is rallying together to support the affected families during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of young students and a parent is devastating, and the community is coming together through prayer and counseling services to provide comfort and stability.

The details

According to authorities, the crash occurred at the intersection of Alabama 157 and Alabama 24 and involved a Chevy Suburban and a Ford F-150. The collision claimed the lives of 7-year-old Bryleigh Pledger, 13-year-old Bryant Ballew, and their 33-year-old mother, Ashley Haywood. Two other children, Brynleigh Pledger and Bentley Pledger, were seriously injured and remain hospitalized.

  • The crash occurred at 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • A community-wide prayer vigil is planned for 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Hartselle City Schools

The local school district that the victims were a part of, now grieving the loss of students and a parent.

Holly Sutherland

The superintendent of Hartselle City Schools, who expressed grief and outlined the district's plans to support students and staff during this difficult time.

Missy Evans

The mayor of Hartselle, who shared condolences and urged the community to surround the affected families with love and support.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are heartbroken over the devastating news that we have lost members of our Hartselle City Schools family. The grief we are feeling as a school community is profound, and our hearts ache alongside the family who is experiencing this unimaginable loss.”

— Holly Sutherland, Superintendent, Hartselle City Schools

“Hartselle is a community that shows up for one another, and I know we will surround these families with love, support, and compassion in the days ahead.”

— Missy Evans, Mayor of Hartselle

What’s next

The community-wide prayer vigil at Hartselle High School on Monday afternoon will bring together students, families, and local ministers to support the grieving families and school community.

The takeaway

This tragic accident has devastated the tight-knit Hartselle community, but the outpouring of support, grief counseling, and collective prayer demonstrates the resilience and compassion of this small town as they come together to mourn the loss and provide comfort to those affected.