In Centre, Alabama, a profound sorrow has settled over the rolling hills of Cherokee County. On a fateful Thursday afternoon, August 21, 2025, the lives of two beloved sisters, Lillian “Lilly” McCain, 18, and Libby McCain, 12, were cut short in a devastating crash that has left a community reeling and hearts shattered.
The tragedy unfolded around 3:15 p.m. on Cherokee County Road 29, near its intersection with County Road 28, just nine miles northeast of Piedmont. Lilly, behind the wheel of a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, was driving with her younger sister Libby as her passenger. In a cruel twist of fate, their vehicle collided with a 2006 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by a 61-year-old man from Heflin. The impact was catastrophic, and both sisters were pronounced deceased at the scene by Cherokee County Coroner Paul McDonald. The loss was all the more poignant as the following day, August 22, would have been Lilly’s 19th birthday—a milestone she was never able to celebrate.
Lilly McCain was a shining star, a recent graduate of Spring Garden High School who had already embarked on her next chapter at Jacksonville State University. Through her dedication and dual enrollment credits, she entered college with sophomore status, a testament to her ambition and intellect. Described as bright and beautiful, Lilly was poised for a future full of promise. Her younger sister, Libby, was a vibrant sixth-grader at Spring Garden School, known for her infectious spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. The sisters, inseparable in life, were cherished members of their community, their absence now leaving an unfillable void.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division is diligently investigating the circumstances of the crash. While details remain limited, the collision has raised questions about the complexities of tractor-trailer accidents, which can involve factors like driver fatigue, vehicle failure, or loss of control. The investigation continues, with authorities working to piece together the events that led to this heartbreaking outcome.
The ripple effects of the tragedy have touched every corner of Cherokee County. Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University, called the accident an “unimaginable tragedy,” reflecting the profound grief felt by both the university and the Spring Garden community. In response, counseling and support services have been made available to students, faculty, and staff, offering a lifeline to those grappling with the loss of these two radiant souls.
As the community prepares to say goodbye, a celebration of life service for Lilly and Libby will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Centre. A visitation will precede the service on Monday, August 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the same church. In a touching tribute to the sisters’ vibrant spirits, attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors, a fitting reflection of the light Lilly and Libby brought into the world. The community’s outpouring of love and support underscores the deep impact these young women had on those around them.
The loss of Lilly and Libby McCain is a wound that will take time to heal. In Cherokee County, where community ties run deep, their memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and love they shared. As the investigation continues and the community gathers to honor their lives, the McCain sisters will be remembered not only for the tragedy that took them but for the joy, promise, and unbreakable bond that defined them. In the face of such sorrow, Centre holds tight to the vibrant legacy of two sisters whose light will never fade.