Hartselle community gathers in prayer vigil to mourn victims of fatal crash

Three children and their mother were killed in a car accident on April 11, leaving the community in grief.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:52pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the blurred silhouettes of people gathered at a candlelit vigil, conveying the solemn mood of the community mourning.The Hartselle community comes together in a somber vigil to mourn the tragic loss of three children and their mother.Hartselle Today

The Hartselle community came together for a prayer vigil at Hartselle High School to mourn the loss of three children and their mother who were killed in a car accident on April 11. Bryant Ballew, 13, and Bryleigh Pledger, 7, died in the crash, along with their mother, Ashley Hagood, 33. Brynleigh Pledger, 7, later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The community is rallying to support the surviving family members, including 10-year-old Bentley Pledger who remains hospitalized but is recovering.

Why it matters

The tragic accident has devastated the close-knit Hartselle community, where the victims were all students at the local schools. The prayer vigil and fundraising efforts demonstrate the community's desire to come together and support the grieving families during this difficult time.

The details

The car accident occurred on April 11 in Moulton, Alabama. Bryant Ballew, 13, and Bryleigh Pledger, 7, were killed in the crash, along with their mother, Ashley Hagood, 33. Brynleigh Pledger, 7, later died from her injuries at Children's Hospital in Birmingham on April 15. Bentley Pledger, 10, remains hospitalized but is recovering. All four victims were students at Hartselle City Schools.

  • The car accident occurred on April 11.
  • Brynleigh Pledger, 7, died from her injuries at Children's Hospital in Birmingham on April 15.
  • A community-wide prayer vigil was held on April 13 at the Hartselle High School auditorium.
  • Visitation for Bryant Ballew will be held on April 17 at 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m.
  • Visitation for Bryleigh and Brynleigh Pledger, and their mother Ashley Hagood, will be held on April 18 at noon, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m.

The players

Bryant Ballew

A 13-year-old student at Hartselle City Schools who was killed in the car accident. He was described as the epitome of an 'All-American Boy' with big aspirations to be a successful entrepreneur or welder.

Bryleigh Pledger

A 7-year-old student at Hartselle City Schools who was killed in the car accident.

Ashley Hagood

The 33-year-old mother of Bryant Ballew and the Pledger twins who was killed in the car accident. She was described as a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose life was defined by her strength, love, and unwavering dedication to her family.

Brynleigh Pledger

The 7-year-old twin sister of Bryleigh Pledger who succumbed to her injuries at Children's Hospital in Birmingham on April 15.

Bentley Pledger

The 10-year-old sibling of Bryleigh and Brynleigh Pledger who remains hospitalized but is recovering from injuries sustained in the car accident.

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What they’re saying

“We come together to grieve. And grief's ok, for students in this room, grief is a natural process and part of life.”

— Brad Sheats, Life Church Pastor

“We had a lot of questions, a lot of emotions, but at the same time we had staff in place that helped us process through that and helped us make sure that our students were taken care of. No day like this is good, but I say we were prepared and we were ready to provide the resources that our kids and our staff needed.”

— Holly Sutherland, Superintendent

“We can't change the life it has taken from us, but hopefully donating her gifts, can keep this unimaginable nightmare from happening to someone else.”

— Miranda Pledger, Stepmother

What’s next

Funeral services for the victims are scheduled for the coming days, and the community continues to rally around the surviving family members through fundraising efforts.

The takeaway

This tragic accident has deeply impacted the tight-knit Hartselle community, where the victims were beloved students and family members. The outpouring of support, prayers, and fundraising efforts demonstrate the community's resilience and commitment to helping the grieving families during this unimaginable time.