By By Adrienne McKenzie
My job description basically consists of finding and reporting on the news of Atmore and its surrounding areas, including sad news. Most of the time I enjoy my job, but there are times that are not entertaining.
Last week was one of those times. Jacorey Johnson, 19, of McCullough passed away in a car accident Sept. 15 and I was in charge of talking to his family to find out what kind of person Jacorey was and what happened with the accident.
It was nice to meet the Johnsons although I wish it would have been under different circumstances.
Jacorey's parents, Charles and Pat Johnson, were some of the sweetest people I could have ever met, especially since they just lost their son. They took me into their home and answered any question about Jacorey that I asked them about, which included questions about the car accident.
I tried to focus the questions of what happened with the accident to Charles Johnson, who told me that he is the one who identified their son. Charles said he heard fire trucks around 4 a.m. and wanted to see what happened so he followed them to find his son's new car completely demolished and his son lying on the ground. I don't know how Charles could sit there and talk to me without bursting into tears because I wanted to cry just hearing the accounts of what happened.
Also, Pat Johnson told me all sorts of things about Jacorey. She said he loved to play the drums and anywhere that needed a drum player, Jacorey would be there gladly. He even drove to Brewton to a church to play his beloved instrument. There were many other things that Charles, Pat and myself talked about while I was visiting with them. They told me how much they loved their son and how much he will be missed. It was an incredibly sad sight to me.
I think what pained me the most about my visit with the Johnsons was talking to Jacorey's twin brother, Tacorey. Tacorey told me that Jacorey was not only his twin, but also his best friend. He told me times they had spent together and how much his brother brightened everyone's life with a simple smile. It was heartbreaking to see such a sad loss in such a young man.
There is something about going to talk to the family of someone who has been injured or has passed away that gives me a sick feeling because you can see the pain in their eyes. Jacorey's passing was not the first article I have done for the Advance that was heartbreaking. I have also written articles on the passing of a Northview High School teacher, Maj. James Ross, where I spoke with administrators of NHS about the loss of the teacher and Russell Stewart, a Marine who died in infantry training.
These types of articles are ones that I dread doing as a reporter for the Advance, but I do appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the family, friends and co-workers who speak with me freely when I call asking questions about their loved ones.
Adrienne McKenzie is a staff reporter for The Atmore Advance. She can be reached at 368-2123 or via email at lifestyles@atmoreadvance.com