BATESVILLE, Ark. – The Batesville community is coming together to support the victims and families affected by a car crash that claimed the lives of two teenagers and left two others hospitalized.

The accident occurred Monday on State Highway 394, also known locally as Gap Road. According to the Arkansas State Police, a minor was driving when the car veered off the road, struck a driveway access, went airborne, hit a second driveway, and overturned. Two teens were killed, and two others, including Cave City student Chloe Mean, were injured.

Mean, who works at The Twisted Spud on Main Street in Batesville, faces a lengthy recovery. Alisha Hightower, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, described Chloe as an integral part of their kitchen team.

"From the moment she came in, we just knew she had this demeanor, and I describe it like a fiery spirit about her," Hightower said. "She brings a lot of energy to the kitchen."

Following news of the crash, Hightower stepped in to help by organizing an online fundraiser for Mean and her family. As of Sunday morning, Oct. 22, donations had already surpassed $5,000—a testament to the community’s generous spirit.

"The main thing that I would ask from the community is if you can give, give to all of the GoFundMes for Chloe and Kaylee and the two boys who passed away and their families," Hightower said. "If you can’t, share those so that other people can see them and potentially donate to help ease those financial burdens."

The crash site has since become a memorial for the two boys who lost their lives, while community members forge ahead with efforts to support everyone impacted. Hightower reflected on the importance of unity in times of tragedy.

"One thing you will find around here is that when tragedy happens, people come together," Hightower said. "When you feel so helpless in a moment like that, and you know you can’t completely take away someone’s pain, but you know that you can at least do something to help, that’s what you do."

Online fundraisers for the families of all involved continue to circulate across social media as the Batesville area demonstrates its strong sense of solidarity in the face of loss.

Mean and another injured teen remain hospitalized as their families and friends continue to rally around them.