Mother, 5-year-old daughter from Augusta killed in Alabama boat crash

Monday, June 10, 2019

News 12 at 6 O'Clock / NBC 26 at 7

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, AL.(WRDW/WAGT) -- An Augusta mother and her 5-year-old daughter were killed Saturday night in a boating accident on Wilson Lake, according to the Alabama Marine Patrol.

It's unclear what happened during the wreck, but Marine Patrol Troopers say two boats crashed near the mouth of Shoal Creek around 10:40 p.m.

Officials identified the pair as Augusta residents Lauren Cowart, 37, and Blakely Cowart, 5.

The daycare employees at Woodlawn Methodist, where Blakely was enrolled for pre-kindergarten, are going to have to deal with the trauma of the incident as well.

"Because death is a hard situation to deal with, and we all know as adults we know that day is going to come, but we never imagine it for a 5-year-old," said Ms. Dunn, one of Blakely's teachers.

Lauren made every teacher and every student feel like family, according to daycare employees.

"So to see her grow through all these stages, and to know it's all over now, it's breathtaking," Dunn said.

A third person, Ross Wooten, III, was seriously injured in the deadly crash and is undergoing treatment.

The Marine Patrol continues to investigate, and as they search for answers, we already know two lives are gone.

"They were really like two peas in a pod," Dunn said.

Lauren worked for Weir/Stewart. The company released this statement to News 12:

"The entire W/S family is shocked and heartbroken to tragically lose a co-worker we consider a sister. Lauren was a talented designer, a steadfast teammate, a vibrant and caring friend to everyone and above all else, a loving and proud mother. We all find a little peace knowing that Lauren and her sweet, silly and beautiful daughter Blakely are together. Our company’s story has changed. And, while we will miss her irreplaceble spirit always, it’s certain that Lauren’s contributions have shaped who we are and will forever impact who we’ll become.”

Little Blakely also attended Forest Hills Pre-School. Richmond County Board of Education released its statement this afternoon:

The Richmond County School System extends its heartfelt condolences for the loss of Blakely Cowart, a Pre-K student at Lake Forest Hills Elementary, and her mother, Lauren. We are all deeply saddened by this tragic event. As the school community processes the tragic news and copes with grief, we will offer resources and services to support all of our students and staff.