Student-organized prayer vigil held for injured THS student

THEODORE, Ala. (WALA) - Students at Theodore High School are leaning on each other for support after their student body president was seriously injured in a car accident on Friday.

Tyler Huynh's classmates prayed for his recovery at a vigil held in his honor on Monday morning on the school's campus. Teachers said his condition is touch and go at the moment, but they are all holding out hope that the standout senior pulls through.

A mangled mass of metal was all that was left of Huynh's car.

Mobile Police said he was broadsided Friday at the intersection of Highway 90 and East Rite Road in Theodore.

Teachers said the 17-year-old is a model student and liked by everyone.

"Tyler is an amazing student; he is the one that any teacher wants to have as a student. Straight A's, honor student, student council president," said April McGuff. "Everyone loves him and wants him to do better."

Police said the intersection of Highway 90 and East Rite Road is known for accidents. 

Cpl. Chris Levy said it can be hard to judge the speed of cars heading east on Highway 90, the same direction Tyler was driving when a 89-year-old man pulled his vehicle out in front of Huynh’s. The car hit the teen’s vehicle on the driver's side.

John Cranford works at Advanced Auto Parts; it sits at the intersection. Cranford said he has seen a few accidents here, but none as bad as this one.

"I heard the crash and it sounded like a big boom, and everyone came out to see what happened," said Cranford. 

Cranford said he watched as a helicopter landed on Hwy 90 to carry the injured teen to the hospital.

"We did watch it come in and land. They had the road blocked off for about 40 minutes," said Cranford.

Police said Huynh was the only person injured in the three-car accident.

"All three were wearing seatbelts. We do not believe alcohol and/or drugs were involved," said Cpl. Chris Levy.

Teacher April McGuff said Tyler's family has been through a lot in the last couple of years. They lost another son in a car accident and one from medical problems. She asks that people send their prayers and support to the family.

“Just give him all your prayers; he is just a great kid. His family has been through so much and his sister is really just holding out a lot of hope. Just need hope and prayers right now," said McGuff.