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a car driving the opposite direction crossed into the group’s lane and hit them head-on. Hartley’s friends were rushed to Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin with serious injuries, while she was airlifted to Naviant Medical Center in Macon, but passed away while in flight.
The driver of the opposing vehicle told officers that he fell asleep while driving, which caused the accident.
Family, friends, and coworkers spent the next days sharing their admiration for Hartley through social media posts. Montgomery County Schools issued an official statement on the tragedy, which read, “It is with heavy hearts that we share that our Montgomery School System family is grieving the loss of one of our own, Alicia Hartley, Director of Special Education. [Montgomery County Schools Superintendent] Dr. [Ronda] Hightower and our entire school community extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Alicia was a valued leader and a beloved part of our school system, and her impact will be felt for years to come. While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also find comfort on this side of Heaven knowing that she is with our Lord and Savior. We ask that you keep the Hartley family and all those affected in your thoughts and prayers, and that you respect their privacy in the days ahead. Together, we will lean on one another and honor her memory.”
The district also assured that support services would be available for staff and students who may need them.
Several surrounding schools and organizations shared their own sentiments for Hartley’s passing.
“The staff and students of Wheeler County Schools extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the family of Mrs. Alicia Hartley. Please continue to keep her family, friends, and the staff at Montgomery County Schools in your thoughts and prayers,” Wheeler County Schools issued in a statement.
Dublin City Schools commented, “We stand with our neighbors in Mt. Vernon, honoring the tragic loss of Mrs. Alicia Hartley, who was sadly taken from us too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Montgomery County.” The Brewton-Parker Christian University School of Education also spoke on the loss of Hartley. “She was a strong supporter of our program, generously giving of her time to serve on mock interview panels for graduating seniors and offering meaningful guidance to future educators. As a valued member of our advisory collaborative, she also played an important role in mentoring teacher candidates and encouraging new teachers as they began their careers. Mrs. Hartley was also known for her strong and unwavering faith, which guided her work and the way she cared for others. Her servant leadership, wisdom, and commitment to both her calling and her beliefs made a lasting impact on our School of Education and the broader educational community. We are grateful for her life, her service, and the difference she made in the lives of so many. She will be remembered with deep respect and appreciation,” Brewton-Parker Christian University Dean Beverly Faircloth emphasized.
Hartley’s life was celebrated during a service on Sunday, May 3, at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Vidalia.
