Lilly McCain, Libby McCain Obituary, Death – Jacksonville State University (JSU) is mourning the loss of one of its newest students after a tragic car crash claimed the lives of two sisters on Thursday. University President Don Killingsworth Jr. confirmed the news in a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday, expressing sorrow on behalf of the campus community.
The student killed in the crash was identified as Lilly McCain, a first-year student at JSU. Despite being a freshman, Lilly had already achieved sophomore standing through her dual enrollment credits while in high school, reflecting her dedication and academic effort. Her sister, Libby McCain, who was still a student at Spring Garden High School, was also killed in the accident.
President Killingsworth emphasized the deep sadness felt throughout the university and surrounding community. He shared condolences with the McCain family, friends, and classmates, acknowledging the painful loss they are now enduring. “We extend our deepest condolences to the McCain family, their friends, and classmates during this difficult time,” Killingsworth wrote. He also noted that Lilly’s presence at JSU, though brief, had already made an impact.
Plans to honor the sisters’ lives have been announced. A celebration of life service is scheduled to take place at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Centre on Tuesday at 1 p.m. The service will allow family, friends, and members of the community to gather and remember Lilly and Libby. Prior to that, a visitation is set for Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the same church, giving loved ones the opportunity to come together in remembrance and support of the McCain family.
The university is also ensuring that both the JSU community and students at Spring Garden High School have access to support as they process the tragedy. Counseling and grief support services are being made available to help classmates, friends, and faculty members cope with the sudden loss. Killingsworth stressed the importance of leaning on these resources, reminding students that they are not alone in their grief.
The loss of Lilly McCain is particularly heartbreaking for JSU, as it comes at the beginning of what was expected to be an exciting chapter in her life. For Libby, her future was still unfolding in high school. Both young women are remembered not just for their academic promise, but also for the roles they played in the lives of their peers, families, and communities.
While the cause of the crash has not been detailed in Killingsworth’s message, the focus remains on honoring the sisters’ memory and providing comfort to those grieving. The tragic accident has brought together two school communities—JSU and Spring Garden High—in a shared moment of mourning and remembrance.
As family, friends, and classmates prepare for the memorial services in the coming days, both Lilly and Libby are being remembered as bright, ambitious, and beloved young women whose lives ended far too soon. The community’s response underscores how deeply they will be missed and how lasting their impact will remain.
