Known as "Sweetie Pie" by those close to her, she was killed in a single car accident just before noon Saturday. According to GSP Sgt. John Cronin, Caschona was in the passenger seat of a Chevrolet Malibu driven by her 18-year-old brother.
The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle on Spring Road at the Newton/Rockdale county line, dropped off the shoulder of the road and overcorrected causing the vehicle to overturn.
Caschona was not wearing her seatbelt at the time, according to GSP, and was ejected from the vehicle, which then rolled on top of her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. It has been determined that speed was a factor in the accident.
Sherri Viniard, public relations director of the Newton County School System, said students were stunned when they learned the news Monday, their first day back from winter break. Extra counselors were brought in to help the students and teachers with their grief both at Veterans and at Livingston Elementary where Caschona attended last year.
"The school system offers its deepest condolences to the family during this very difficult time," Viniard said.
During a visitation for the popular sixth-grader Friday afternoon, students, teachers and school officials passed through the doors of Lester Lackey Funeral Home, and flower arrangements were brought in every few moments to honor Caschona. The students at VMMS are planning a program in her honor, which will be held today, and three of her teachers - Russell Parker, Jessica Jones and Whitney Jackson - worked together to write a statement about what Caschona meant to both her teachers and fellow students.
"Caschona lived life to its fullest extent. Her bubbly personality and laughter touched everyone that came in contact with her," it reads. "Her smile, as well as her witty comments, brightened the room. She was loved by both students and adults, as seen through her recognitions in and out of school. She was selected by her teachers as Student of the Month on three separate occasions this year alone.
"She worked hard and set high goals for herself. She wanted to take advantage of what life offered. Caschona will best be remembered as a "lady" in every sense of the word. She will be missed dearly by VMMS, as we all know VMMS is a better place because of our "sweetie pie."
A page in the school's yearbook will also be dedicated to her.
A funeral for Caschona will be held today at 2 p.m. at Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Social Circle.
