Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
A Clay County community is mourning two young brothers killed in a weekend crash while rallying around a third child hospitalized after a football event in Richwood.
Seven-year-old James Neal and his 13-year-old brother, Zayden Hurley, died following the crash Saturday. Their friend, 14-year-old Evan Marling, was seriously injured.
For the Clay County Panthers football community, the tragedy has become bigger than the game.
“It’s pretty special,” said Reggie Brogan, Clay County Panther Intermediate Football League vice president. "This ain’t about football. This is bigger than football.”
James attended Clay Elementary School while Zayden attended Clay Middle School. Clay County Schools Superintendent Phill Dobbins said both boys were athletes, good students and well-liked by their classmates.
Counselors from neighboring counties came to Clay County Monday to support students and staff.
“It’s one thing if you call someone and ask for help, but in this situation, to have them reach out to us and say, ‘Hey, we saw this. Can we help you guys out in any way?’ is meaningful,” Dobbins said.
Evan’s aunt, Jessica Davis, said he has shown signs of improvement since the crash. She said he was sitting up and took his first sip of water Wednesday.
“It’s a miracle that Evan is here,” Davis said. “It really is, and he’s being strong.”
Support has poured in from across West Virginia. The football league established an account to help with funeral expenses, while teams from Huntington to Lewisburg have offered donations.
Friends and family have also organized a raffle to help cover funeral expenses for James and Zayden along with Evan’s medical bills.
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A Clay County community is mourning two young brothers killed in a weekend crash while rallying around a third child hospitalized after a football event in Richwood.
Seven-year-old James Neal and his 13-year-old brother, Zayden Hurley, died following the crash Saturday. Their friend, 14-year-old Evan Marling, was seriously injured.
For the Clay County Panthers football community, the tragedy has become bigger than the game.
“It’s pretty special,” said Reggie Brogan, Clay County Panther Intermediate Football League vice president. "This ain’t about football. This is bigger than football.”
James attended Clay Elementary School while Zayden attended Clay Middle School. Clay County Schools Superintendent Phill Dobbins said both boys were athletes, good students and well-liked by their classmates.
Counselors from neighboring counties came to Clay County Monday to support students and staff.
“It’s one thing if you call someone and ask for help, but in this situation, to have them reach out to us and say, ‘Hey, we saw this. Can we help you guys out in any way?’ is meaningful,” Dobbins said.
Evan’s aunt, Jessica Davis, said he has shown signs of improvement since the crash. She said he was sitting up and took his first sip of water Wednesday.
“It’s a miracle that Evan is here,” Davis said. “It really is, and he’s being strong.”
Support has poured in from across West Virginia. The football league established an account to help with funeral expenses, while teams from Huntington to Lewisburg have offered donations.
Friends and family have also organized a raffle to help cover funeral expenses for James and Zayden along with Evan’s medical bills.
_________________________________________
Follow WCHS on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston
Twitter: twitter.com/wchs8fox11
Instagram: instagram.com/wchs8fox11
For the latest local and national news, visit our website: wchstv.com
Sign up for our newsletter: wchstv.com/sign-up
