Brothers die in accident on way to dentist
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Family and friends are mourning the tragic loss of two teenage brothers killed in Roswell Monday afternoon after their vehicle smashed into the side of a school bus carrying special needs students.
The victims have been identified as James "Jim" Pratt, 18, and his 14-year-old brother, Joseph "Joe" Pratt. Both were students at Lassiter High School in Marietta and members of the NJROTC program.
The brothers were headed to the dentist when the accident happened. According to Roswell police, the car they were in became lodged under the school bus after the wreck occurred.
Police said the brothers died on impact. None of the students on board the bus were injured.
Tuesday, grief counselors were on hand at Lassiter High School and will be for as long as needed, according to Principal Chris Richie, who released a letter to the "Lassiter Families" Tuesday morning.
The letter reads, in part: "There are no words that eases the pain that has devastated our Lassiter family and left us heartbroken. James was a senior and Joe was a freshman; both can only be described as academically motivated, exceptional young men, with tremendous leadership potential that we witnessed daily throughout our school and in our NJROTC program. On behalf of all members of the Lassiter staff, our deepest condolences are with the Pratt family and friends during this difficult time."
NJROTC Instructor First Sgt. Lorenzo Cox said the brothers worked very hard in the program and described them as wonderful young men.