TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) -A grandmother and two of her grandchildren were killed in a devastating crash along Highway 82 on Sunday, June 16. Now, the Tifton and Ty Ty communities are grieving and rallying to support the family left behind.

According to authorities, 52-year-old Rebecca Baker was traveling with her four grandchildren when a truck crossed the median and hit their van. Baker, along with her 5-year-old granddaughter and 2-year-old grandson, died at the scene. Two other grandchildren, ages 7 and 10, survived. One was treated at Tift Regional for non-life-threatening injuries; the other was airlifted to a Jacksonville hospital with serious injuries.

|READ MORE: Driver and 2 children killed in Tift Co. crash|

Family friends say Baker was deeply loved. She was a woman known for her giving spirit and commitment to her community.

“Jesus told us to love and serve one another, and that’s what Rebecca lived out,” said Jackie Carr, who learned about the crash while setting up for Vacation Bible School. “We are here to show love and compassion at this time.”

Sandy Hudgins, another friend, says the tragedy has left the small town reeling.

“I have a daughter and grandson around the same age. I can’t imagine the pain this family is feeling.”

In response, the community has come together to organize a meal train and other efforts to help the family during this time of unimaginable grief. Local churches, including East Side Baptist, are stepping in to provide meals and emotional support.

“You don’t have to be a member of our church to feel this loss,” Carr added. “This town is a family, and we’re going to walk through this together.”

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