Franklin County Jail inmates create crosses for Eastpoint car crash victims

Sheriff's Office honors lives of three Georgia teens killed in accident

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:19am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a hand-carved wooden cross, the texture and grain of the wood the focal point under harsh, direct lighting against a pitch-black background, conveying a somber, investigative mood.Handmade memorial crosses crafted by jail inmates honor the lives lost in a tragic car accident.Eastpoint Today

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is honoring the lives of three Georgia teens who were killed in a car accident on Monday. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the teens were traveling southbound on State Road 65 when they ran off the road and into a ditch, resulting in their deaths. In response, inmates at the Franklin County Jail have created wooden crosses to be placed at the site of the crash as a memorial.

Why it matters

This tragic accident has deeply impacted the local community, and the Sheriff's Office's gesture of creating memorial crosses shows their commitment to honoring the victims and providing comfort to their loved ones. The involvement of jail inmates also highlights how community service programs can give incarcerated individuals a meaningful way to give back.

The details

The three victims were traveling southbound on State Road 65 in Eastpoint, Florida when their vehicle ran off the road and into a ditch, resulting in their deaths. In response, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office worked with inmates at the local jail to create wooden crosses that will be placed at the site of the crash as a memorial.

  • The car accident occurred on Monday, April 8, 2026.
  • The Sheriff's Office and jail inmates created the memorial crosses in the days following the accident.

The players

Franklin County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency in Franklin County, Florida that is honoring the victims of the car crash.

Florida Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that investigated the car accident that killed the three Georgia teens.

Franklin County Jail inmates

Incarcerated individuals at the local jail who created wooden crosses as a memorial for the car crash victims.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to do something to honor the lives of these young people and provide comfort to their families during this tragic time.”

— Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith, Sheriff

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of community service programs in jails, where inmates are able to use their skills and time to give back and honor those in need. It also demonstrates the compassion of local law enforcement in supporting grieving families during difficult times.