Two Teens Killed in Polk Co. Crash

A small Tennessee Valley town is dealing with the loss of two 16-year-old boys.  They died in a car crash Monday night.  Polk County High School sophomore Josh Cronan and junior Jesse 'Hunter' McTaggert were killed in the wreck along Reynolds Bridge Road.

At the high school, there are more messages and memories than could ever fit on posterboards.  Good times between Josh, Hunter and their friends.  "Well they like cars a lot and they always go to Sonic.  It's a big hangout down here," says friend Gabby Breedlove.

But Monday night the two teens were riding down this curvy road when the car they were in lost control and slammed into a tree.  It stripped away the bark and sent car parts flying.  The impact of the car crash was so severe it literally split the Ford Probe in two.

Two days after the crash Josh's grandmother Jacquelyn Williams just had to see the wreckage for herself.  "I just want people to know and see this, see what's happened to these two innocent kids," she says.  The sight of the split vehicle makes her eyes tear up and her blood boil because investigators say the surviving driver was speeding.  "I'm a Christian lady," says Williams.  "But i am very angry.  He has taken a grandchild of mine and he's left families devastated."

Back at Polk County High School the condolences and questions continue.  That's why grief counselors are available any time.  "There's not a manual on how to handle something like this when it happens," says principal Jason Bell.  He describes it as a tough time for both staff members and students.  Outpourings like the posters however can help.  "This is hard for young people," Bell says.  "Because it may be the first time they've lost somebody this close to them."

But whether it's the first or just the latest heartbreak, perhaps the only comfort comes in their faith.  "I know right now where Joshua's at," says his grandmother.  And no doubt his best friend Hunter is right by his side.

24 year old James Brown was arrested for two counts of vehicular homicide and was arraigned Wednesday morning in court.