Community stands together in family tragedy

A number of schools and community members last week stood in unity, wearing McLeod maroon and gold, and participating in fundraising for the surviving Baig family. McLeod Teacher Jessica Baig, 32, husband Mirza Baig, 35, and their 10-yearold daughter lost their lives in a car accident on Oct. 12 at approximately 4:20 a.m. A second daughter survived and was transported to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas and she was later released.

Recently it was revealed that Justin Blake Williams of Texas, allegedly tried to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone, and lost control of his Dodge Ram truck crossing the centerline on Hwy. 41 and crashed into Baig’s 2013 Buick Enclave which overturned several times. Court documents reveal that Williams, 25, faces three counts of negligent homicide and a first-degree battery charge. Alcohol was involved in the crash.

Williams told an Arkansas State Police trooper that the crash happened when he tried to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone, according to the affidavit. The trooper reported that Williams smelled of intoxicants and had slurred speech. Williams told the trooper he had “a few” drinks, the affidavit says.

According to McLeod ISD they “will be taking up a love offering for the Baig family. They have immediate expenses incurred being at the hospital with no notice. Plus, they are working on funeral arrangements and such. If you feel led to donate, you may bring money to the administration office. Mrs. May and Mrs. Lambeth will be going to see the family tomorrow and will take what we have at the time. But we will take up money as long as it comes in and makes sure all of it gets to the family.”

Avinger, on the other side of Cass County, raised more than $400 through a hat day and donations for the Baig family. Several other schools showed their support including Bloomburg, Hughes Springs, Linden, and Atlanta.

The McLeod ISD website wishes to thank their “loving community and school family. Our morning has been tough, but we have made it with all of the support. We have had parent and community volunteers with us. Area pastors were with us this morning and are still on call. Parents and McLeod Tabernacle have fed our staff today. Region sent us some wonderful people to support our effort. The outreach from our community schools has been tremendous. We know we are loved and we are thankful in the storm.”