Photo courtesy The Mountaineer Kara Bryson
By Becky Long
Publisher
Just days before her high school graduation, a Haywood County cheerleader was killed during a severe storm at a Clay County campground early Monday morning.
Karaline “Kara” Bryson, 18, died after a tree fell on a camper-trailer at Penland Point where she was visiting the area with friends during the Memorial Day weekend.
Bryson was deceased when Clay County emergency workers found her inside the damaged trailer, according to Emergency Management Director Jeff Ledford.
“A large tree had been up-rooted by heavy straight-line winds and landed on the portion of the trailer that housed the victim,” Ledford said, noting that winds were up to 70 miles per hour.
There were no other serious injuries reported.
Bryson was part of the Tuscola High School Class of 2024 made up of fewer than 200 seniors who will be graduating Friday night at the Western Carolina University venue.
Kara is remembered fondly by her school and all who knew her. “She was such a bright spot. She was a friend to all and loved people,” said Kari Setser, Tuscola cheer team coach told The Mountaineer in Waynesville.
A gofundme page on Facebook titled “Stand with Kara’s family,” designates donations to help Kara’s parents, Stephen Bryson and Vanessa Tuttle Bryson with expenses.
The post said: “Kara was a beautiful soul who was tragically taken too soon! Kara was a senior at Tuscola High School and was recently pinned as a CNA and enjoyed working with the residents at Skyland Terrace. “
It went on to say Kara had planned to attend Haywood Community College in the fall where she would pursue a degree in the medical field.
“Kara is loved by many, especially by her mother, father and three younger brothers,” concluded the post.
Haywood County Schools’ Superintendent Trevor Putnam shared the following statement regarding the tragedy:
“We are mourning the loss of one of our precious students. Our hearts and minds are with the family during this very difficult time. Additional support is available for staff and students needing assistance. We will continue to support the needs of our Tuscola family through graduation and beyond,” shared Haywood County Schools’ Superintendent Trevor Putnam.
The pain of the tragedy is evident through the many comments and posts, but it ripples beyond the borders of her native county of Haywood.
“Clay County Schools would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of Tuscola High School Senior, Kara Bryson, and the entire Haywood County Schools community. Tragedies such as these are never easy. You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers,” was posted on our local school Facebook page.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete at presstime on Wednesday.