Funeral Set for Fr. Co. HS Student Killed in One-Vehicle Wreck

Visitation will be held today for Matt Walters, 17, the Franklin County High School student killed in a one-car wreck over the weekend.

Visitation will be held at Whitlock Mortuary in Toccoa on Rose Lane from 1p to 4p and again from 6p to 9p.  Funeral services will be held Thurday at 2p at Toms Creek Baptist Church on SR145.  Burial will be at Sunshine United Methodist Church on SR63.

All this week, students at Franklin County High School have been remembering the high school Junior who was also a member of the Franklin County Lions football team and the wrestling team.

“We had a short memorial service on Monday,” said Franklin County High School Guidance Counselor Jan Kirkham. “But mostly, we have had a lot of spontaneous prayer services throughout the week, where students would just meet to pray for Matt’s family.”

Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas said Walters was driving near his home on SR63 in Franklin County around noon Saturday when his vehicle left the road, went down an embankment and struck a tree.

Witnesses said it appeared Walters made no attempt to use his brakes and avoid leaving the road. Authorities on the scene suspect the teen may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Walters was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Condolences may be left online at www.whitlockmortuary.net.