The West Point community and the entire Cullman County School System family are mourning the loss of Christopher Owens, a sophomore who died Tuesday afternoon in a car accident in the 6500 block of County Road 940. Owens, 16, was a well thought of and respected student at West Point High School.
Not only was Chris an outstanding child inside and outside of school; he loved the game of basketball and worked tremendously hard to perfecting his game during his tenure playing on the team at West Point.
Mason Voce, Christopher’s middle school and junior varsity basketball coach, said, “Often we identify ourselves by a sport or a job. Chris was a great, hardworking basketball player for me, but he was an even better student and person. Nothing Chris did for his team on the floor amounts to the character and Christian lifestyle he displayed off the court. I am so glad I got to be apart of Chris’s journey for his 7th, 8th, and 10th grade basketball seasons.”
Chris was also a highly respected student among his classmates. West Point Sophomore, and friend to Chris, Alexis Kimbril was among the many heartbroken over the loss of Owen’s. “I know none of us seen this coming. I would have never thought this would have happened. He’s not just number one on the court.” said Kimbril, “He’s number one in our hearts. We will always love him, but this is our wake-up call. Don’t just wake up and go on with your day. Wake up and thank God that he blessed you with another day, another chance. We will forever and always love Chris, and he will forever have a special place in my heart.”
Heith Yearwood, longtime principal of West Point High, was saddened to hear the news that the West Point community has lost a fellow student and friend. It is difficult when anyone loses their life in an auto accident, but when it is a young life taken away too soon, it makes it even harder to process for those around. In a press release from Cullman County Schools, Yearwood stated that “We are all saddened by the loss of Chris. Not only did we lose a student, but with Chris being the son of one of our teachers, this is especially hard for our faculty, staff, and community. Our prayers are with the family at this time.” Shane Barnette, Cullman County Superintendent, joined Yearwood saying, “Our hearts are broken this morning. This young man was loved by everyone, and his family has deep roots in our school system and extended community. Please lift his family, friends, and community up in prayers as we support them during their loss.” Christopher’s mother, Mrs. Becky Drummond, currently serves as a well respected educator in the Cullman County School system.
Christopher’s legacy as an outstanding young man, and athlete, will certainly continue to impact the lives of those who were lucky enough to know Owens. And here at Cullman Daily, we ask for you to join us in remembering the Owens and Drummond family, along with the entire West Point community, in your prayers as they endure the loss of one of their own.
