Troup is hurting tonight as the community comes together to grieve the loss of Easton Roper, an 11-year-old student whose life was cut short far too soon. Easton, a sixth grader at Troup Middle School, died Friday night, Jan. 30, 2026, after a tragic four-wheeler accident. His death has left classmates, teachers, neighbors, and family members struggling to make sense of a loss that feels deeply unfair.
Those closest to Easton remember him as gentle, kind, and full of quiet goodness. Family members described him as “the sweetest kid,” a child who had a way of making people feel seen and cared for. Friends say he carried himself with an easy smile and a calm heart, the kind of kid who did not have to try hard to be liked.
At Troup Middle School, the news landed like a heavy silence. School leaders called his passing heartbreaking for the entire school community. Teachers and students alike are mourning a boy who filled hallways with warmth and left an impression far bigger than his years.
In response, the school has made counselors and support staff available on campus. The goal is simple and human: to give students a safe place to talk, cry, or just sit quietly with their feelings. Families are being encouraged to speak openly with their children and to reach out to the school if extra support is needed.
Easton’s funeral arrangements reflect how many lives he touched in such a short time. A public viewing is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Funeral services will follow on Friday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Mixon. He will be laid to rest after the service.
The community has also stepped forward to help Easton’s family during this painful moment. Donations are being accepted at Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville and at Troup Middle School. Each gesture, no matter the size, stands as a sign of shared grief and shared love.
In Troup, Easton Roper’s name is being spoken softly and often. His story is now part of the town’s collective memory. In classrooms, homes, and church pews, people are holding onto one truth. A sweet boy lived here, and he mattered.
