Two Blackshear teenagers sustained serious burns as the ATV they were on exploded in flames at Sunshine Grocery Sunday, October 27.
The incident occurred about 4:30 p.m. by the gas pumps at the grocery store on Youmans Chapel Road at College Avenue in the south central area of the county.
According to the incident report from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, two juveniles, a 14 year old male and a 14 year old female, had removed the gas cap of the ATV when it erupted in flames.
Under state law, the names of juveniles are not released on reports. However, The Times later made contact with the parents of the juveniles and received permission to print the names of those involved in the incident.
Zoie Hester, 14, sustained burns over 60 percent of her body and Easten Cornett, 14, also sustained burns, though to a lesser degree.
Hester is the granddaughter of Mike and Ann Callahan of Blackshear and Cornett is the son of Tommy and Dana Cornett, all of Blackshear.
Hester has undergone several procedures and faces more to come. She will have a long recovery and will be hospitalized for an extended period of time.
Family members have set up a GoFundMe page in her name. Those wishing to donate may do so at https://www.gofundme.c om/f/support-zoies-longroad- to-recovery.
Hester was transported by AirEvac medical helicopter to the Pediatric Burn Center at UF Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, FL.
Cornett was initially taken by family members to Memorial Satilla Health and then went by vehicle to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta.
The ATV was a total loss in the fire.
Deputy Donald Shuman investigated the incident.
Family members ask for prayers and for donations to assist with medical and travel expenses.
“We have created this GoFundMe account to offer Zoie's grandparents additional help in the form of money for those who would like to and are able to donate. The money will help cover costs of food, gas, and any necessary expenses while having to go back and forth to the burn center, which is two and a half hours away. Any amount is greatly appreciated and a huge blessing.
Thank you, everyone, for your kind words, thoughts, prayers, and donations,” said the Cornetts.
Two teenagers were severely burned in an ATV fire at Sunshine Grocery Sunday, Oct. 27. Special to The Times
Zoie Hester is facing a long recovery time from the burns she sustained in the accident. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help her family with medical expenses.
