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PIKE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVY/Gray News) - Authorities in Alabama say a teacher and her child were killed in a crash Thursday night.

Brundidge Police Chief Sam Green said 40-year-old Heather Minton was traveling with her child on Pike County Highway 441 when they were involved in a collision with another vehicle.

Police said Minton died in the crash along with the child, who family members said was her 8-year-old son.

Minton taught science at Pike County High School and received Teacher of the Year honors in 2023.

“My heart breaks for all of the PCHS family and the students that leaned on you in and out of the classroom,” Shelby Spaziani, a Pike County High School special education aide, said. “The support that you and the boys showed every scholar and every athlete to wear purple and white was unmatched.”

Former student Cortney Nichole Buzzan added, “To know Heather-Powell Minton was to love her. She didn’t have an ill bone in her body. It was an honor to be taught by her in high school. She will be deeply missed by the Pike County community.”

Brundidge police said six other people suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash while their investigation remains ongoing.

Loved ones have set up a GoFundMe to help the family through this difficult time and the Brundidge Methodist Church said it has set up an account for those who would like to help.

“I know that these wonderful people touched many lives, and I am praying that we can come together as a community for this family,” Minton’s niece Kacie Wheat shared.

Green also extended his condolences to the Minton family.