The residents of Marksville in Avoyelles Parish are still in mourning following the I-75 crash involving two 18 wheelers that left seven dead, with five being local children on a church trip to Disney last week. Another candlelight vigil is planned for 5:30 this afternoon at Marksville High School’s football field. Marksville Mayor John Lemoine described the day the news broke in the town.
“It came out of national television. We didn’t know that it was people in town that were involved then we started finding out when relatives were being called. It’s a small knit community where everybody knows everybody,” said Lemoine,
The wreck happened just outside of the Gainsville area.
The children ranged in age from 14 to 9. Lemoine said he knew four of the five children that died in the fiery crash.
“They’re the kind of kids everybody wants to have in a family. Proud of doing the right thing, good grades in school, just great involvement with the community,” said Lemoine
Lemoine said the support that has come in from around the country to help the grieving community has been overwhelming.
“It’s still a caring nation, despite what is going on politically. You still have people that are very interested in other people’s families and stuff. We just greatly appreciate all the concern that everyone in the country has had,” said Lemoine.
