The City of Jackson in Georgia and family members confirmed the death of David Crawford, 18

NEED TO KNOW

• David Crawford, 18, died just as he was beginning his senior year at Jackson High School in Georgia
• He was remembered as a kind young man and an outstanding student, family and community members said
• A GoFundMe has since been established to help his family pay for funeral expenses

A Georgia community is grieving after the death of a teenager who was just beginning his senior year of high school. 

The City of Jackson identified the victim in a Thursday, Aug. 6, news release as David Crawford, 18, a student at Jackson High School.

“Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him. In this time of mourning, we ask our community come together to pray for peace and comfort for the Crawford family,” the city wrote. 

Kerrie Monti, David’s aunt, has since created a GoFundMe to help the family. 

“On August 4th, David made a decision that tragically ended his life dealing with battles unseen and unknown and all of us are still in shock trying to process this unimaginable pain,” Monti wrote. 

“David was about to start his senior year and would have turned 19 next month. He was the sweetest, kindest young man, incredibly smart, and a true history buff. He loved Jesus, and he was deeply loved by his family and everyone who knew him. There are no words for the heartbreak of losing a child, and especially their firstborn,” she continued.

Authorities have not shared the cause of David’s death, and the case is under police investigation, Fox and ABC affiliate WGXA reported. 

The Jackson Police Department and the Butts County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment on Friday, Aug. 7.

According to his obituary, David is survived by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. 

“David was a gym rat and enjoyed working out and walking,” the memorial tribute read. “His true passions were history and Johnny Cash, but most of all for Jesus. David was loved so much and will be deeply missed.”

The Butts County School System and Jackson High School issued a joint statement paying tribute to David.

“David was an outstanding student, a valued member of our NJROTC program and a young man who will be deeply missed by his classmates, teachers and the entire Jackson High School family. This is a devastating loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family, friends and everyone in our school community who has been affected,” the statement read, in part. 

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The district and school said counseling services would be made available to students and staff following the tragedy. 

David’s funeral service is scheduled for Aug. 11. Monti’s GoFundMe is raising money to help the family pay for burial expenses. 

“Summer and Nathan are hardworking parents who have been raising their family of five children with so much love and faith,” Monti wrote. “They never imagined they would be facing the need to bury their son, and asking for help is not something that comes easily.” 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

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