Arkansas Community Mourns the Loss of Unnamed Manila High School Students Injured in the Lake City Incident

 The Manila community is presently facing one of its most difficult times following the tragic incident on Highway 18 last Friday evening, which led to the loss of four lives and left six students from Manila High School hospitalized. As families engage in grief, anticipation, and prayer, the town has come together in a way that highlights the deep bonds shared among its inhabitants, educational institutions, and youth.

Among those affected were two students from Manila High School, whose names have not yet been made public. Their absence is already noticeable at school, as empty seats remain, teammates are missed during practices, and friends are struggling with the abrupt changes that life can present.

Teachers characterize the students as bright, kind-hearted individuals brimming with potential. Their classmates recall them as people who promoted togetherness, brought happiness into daily life, and were present not just in academics but also for those around them. The grief from their loss extends well beyond the walls of the school.

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At Manila High School today, both educators and pupils gathered in quiet clusters — some were holding hands, others were in tears, while a few simply sat side by side, seeking comfort in unity amidst the suffering. Counselors, teachers, and community spiritual leaders have stepped forward to support those students facing grief that many have never encountered before.

Hope and Prayers for the Injured

At this time, six students are still undergoing treatment in the hospital, including Brady Curtwright, whose family has tragically reported that there has been no sign of brain activity since his arrival. His parents, Ashley and Brian Curtwright, conveyed that they feel enveloped by the prayers and loving messages being sent to them.

“I struggle to find the right words… I am grateful for the love all of you have for my precious son,” his mother stated. “I ask for your prayers. What God chooses is beyond our understanding.”

On various social media platforms, both current students and alumni have changed their profile pictures to display school colors, included prayer symbols, or shared memories with the impacted students — inside jokes, football highlights, choir experiences, and the small yet meaningful moments that now hold greater importance.

A Unified Community

Local businesses, religious groups, and members of the community have shared messages of comfort. One particular message from Champion Coffee has captured hearts across the area:

“Our hearts feel overwhelmingly heavy today… May we cling to the belief that God is near to those who mourn… Manila, let’s keep supporting these families. Let’s show each other deep love.”

Plans for candlelight vigils are in the works, as pastors have invited the community to gather for moments of quiet reflection; educators are offering safe spaces for students to voice their emotions, whether through conversations, tears, or just being there for one another.

In a closely bonded town, grief is never shouldered by one family alone — and Manila is reaffirming this reality once again.