By Lonnie Wilkey
Sierra Cahoon, her 2-year-old son Nolan and her unborn child all died Monday, June 17, in a senseless tragedy.
Why them? They apparently were in the wrong place at the wrong time. See story.
There’s no other reason to explain why a 33-year-old Jefferson City man tried to run over a pedestrian before going less than a mile and intentionally ramming into Cahoon who was pushing her son in a stroller. Police investigating the case believe that the driver, who was identified as William David Phillips, did not know any of his victims.
The deaths have taken a toll on the Jefferson City community and especially Carson-Newman University. Cahoon’s husband, Matt, has been a trainer at the Baptist-related school for several years.
Paul Percy, interim president of Carson-Newman, said the university family is mourning over the loss. In a statement, he said, “Our hearts are breaking for one of our own. We take comfort in knowing that God also feels our pain and hears our prayers. Because of this, we ask for prayers for Matt and his family now and in the days ahead.”
Mrs. Cahoon’s death and the death of her two children are hard to comprehend. They did nothing wrong. She was just spending time with her son. Their deaths are just another stark reminder of the brevity of life. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. We need to take advantage of each minute the Lord allows us to live.
Pray for the Cahoon family as well as those at Carson-Newman University. Ask God to carry them through this deep, deep valley and surround them with His grace, which is sufficient.
— For those interested in helping the Cohoon family, a fund has been set up at www.cn.edu/cahoonfamilyfund. Donations may also be given by calling the university at 865-471-3233. B&R
