Lawrence County mourns the loss of a well-loved Blaine teen

By Roberta Cantrell

BSN Editor

While Lawrence County Schools were back in session for the first time since Thursday, Dec. 19, Blaine Elementary students returned with heavy hearts after the loss of one of their fellow classmates.

Angel Reane Evans, 13, is the daughter of Ashley Justice and Ralph Evans. She was a seventh grade student at BES and passed away at Cabell Huntington Hospital Sunday, Jan. 26.

According to Daniel Castle, who gave several updates on Evans, the teen had no underlying medical conditions. “She just simply collapsed at her home yesterday evening and hasn’t been conscious since,” Castle wrote on January 24.

Lawrence County Superintendent Katie Hatfield-Webb released a statement asking the community and schools to keep Angel’s family in their thoughts and prayers.

“This heartbreaking news weighs heavily on us all, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Angel’s family,” Webb stated. “Please remember that we are here to support our students during this challenging time. Our guidance counselors will be available to offer grief counseling to those who may be struggling with this loss. Let us keep Angel’s family in our thoughts and prayers as they face these difficult days. Together, as a strong community, we will support one another through this difficult time.”

Evans was also a member of the Louisa Middle School girls basketball team.

Susan Little, BES Guidance Counselor, said students over all did well on their first day back.

“I think being together helped them,” said Little. “We did however, discuss a plan with Mrs. Webb to have counselors in place for students had school been cancelled so the kids could come in if they needed to talk to someone.”

Businesses throughout the county offered percentages of their sales to help with the costs of funeral expenses on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and donations to help with expenses can be given directly to Wilson Funeral Home in the hope of providing the family with some financial relief. You can also send donations to Mrs. Little’s Venmo account @Susan-Little-64 or Paypal @SusanHogan537.

Services for Angel are pending. Burial will be at the Justice Cemetery in Blaine. Visit Wilson Funeral Home website for obituary.