LAWRENCE COUNTY, OH — A devastating car crash in Union Township has left a community heartbroken, claiming the lives of 6-year-old Bryston Adkins and 47-year-old Heather D. Reger, both of Proctorville, Ohio. The tragic collision occurred on State Route 7 around 2:15 p.m. Friday afternoon, sending shockwaves throughout Lawrence County and prompting a powerful community response in support of the victims’ families.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Reger was driving an SUV northbound on State Route 7 when her vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway, striking a guardrail. Authorities say that after initially colliding with the barrier, the SUV continued along the edge before abruptly swerving back into the southbound lane, where it collided head-on with a vehicle driven by 40-year-old James A. Riffe, also of Proctorville.
Tragically, Bryston Adkins, one of three children inside Reger’s SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene, along with Reger. Officials reported that none of the children were properly restrained at the time of the crash.
The two surviving children were immediately rushed by emergency medical personnel to Cabell Huntington Hospital, where they remain in critical condition. Their names have not yet been released as authorities and family members continue to process the enormity of the tragedy.
In the days following the fatal crash, the Lawrence County community has come together in an outpouring of love and solidarity. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family with funeral arrangements for young Bryston and to help ease the unexpected financial burden placed on those now caring for the surviving children.
Family, friends, and neighbors have shared heartfelt messages across social media, remembering Bryston as a bright, energetic, and loving child whose smile could light up any room. The sorrow over his loss is being felt deeply throughout local schools, neighborhoods, and places of worship, where he and his family were known and loved.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of vehicle safety measures, particularly when it comes to seatbelt use and proper child restraints. As the investigation continues, law enforcement and safety advocates are urging all drivers and guardians to remain vigilant in protecting young passengers.
For now, the focus remains on mourning the lives lost, supporting the grieving families, and praying for the recovery of the injured children. The road ahead will be long and difficult, but the strength and compassion shown by the Lawrence County community offer hope in the midst of unimaginable sorrow.
Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of Bryston Adkins, Heather Reger, and the injured children. May their families find peace, and may the memory of Bryston continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.