East High student dies from vehicle crash, GoFundMe established for family

BLUFF CITY — Students, faculty, administrators and staff at Sullivan East High School are mourning the death of 18-year-old Justin "J.C." Hall, who died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning. The student had graduated from East early, was active in its firefighting program and planned to attend community college, according to the principal of the Sullivan County school. As of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, $6,052 — 56% of a $11,000 goal — had been raised in a GoFundMe set up to help Hall's family with expenses. According to the site, the fundraiser had 109 donations so far. "The Patriot Nation grieves alongside the J.C Hall family. Our hearts are heavy, and our prayers are lifted as we mourn this profound loss of our brother, son and friend together," East Principal Andy Hare said in a written statement to the Kingsport Times News. That message also was in a Facebook post. Interviewed Wednesday afternoon via email, Hare again spoke highly of the student. "He was well loved by all and a friend to everyone," he said. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, as previously reported, Hall died in a single-vehicle crash Tuesday morning on U.S. Highway 421 in Sullivan County. THP's preliminary report states the crash happened around 3 a.m. Tuesday near the Pyle Road area of the highway.  A 2008 Subaru Impreza ran off the side of the highway into a fallen tree. The report further states the vehicle stopped on the wooded embankment facing south. THP identified Justin Hall as the passenger of the vehicle killed in the crash.  The 19-year-old driver was injured. THP reported neither the driver of the car nor the passenger were wearing seatbelts. According to the report, charges related to the crash are pending based on the outcome of an investigation.  The GoFundMe account set up for Hall says he was a "very well-known teenager and very loved person." Cameron Deskins started the GoFundMe, with Charles Mitchell as the beneficiary, according to the GoFundMe solicitation. The GoFundMe further said donations would be "greatly appreciated. If not, just your love and support is appreciated just as much. Thank you." Kingsport Times-News staff writer Allison Winters contributed to this article.