2 Madison students remembered for kindness
By DUNCAN DENT
Two Madison County high school athletes who died in a wreck west of Annandale in rural Madison County early Monday morning were remembered for their love of animals, their hard work and strong friendships.
The wreck was discovered by one of their parents who went looking for them.
The students, Tyrese Hoskin, 17, and Armond Littleton, 15, both died when the sport utility vehicle Hoskin was driving went off of Gus Green Road at about 4 a.m. Monday morning flipped and struck a tree, the authorities said.
"The Sheriff's Office is still investigating this incident," Madison County Sheriff's Office Spokesman Heath Hall said. "This is a terrible tragedy that has impacted two families in our community directly. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers."
The wreck was discovered by Brandice Green-Littleton, Armond Littleton's mother, who made the 911 call.
Taryl Hoskin, Tyrese's father, said Green-Littleton discovered the wreck sometime after 3 a.m. and immediately gave him a call.
Taryl Hoskin said his son had left the house around midnight to take Armond Littleton home.
"They live maybe 15 or 20 minutes," Hoskin said. "He had driven that road a thousand times."
Taryl Hoskin said he had gone to bed because he knew his son would be home soon. He was awakened when Green-Littleton called him looking for her son and heard from her again shortly after when she came upon the wreck while looking for them.
She was the first to approach the wreck and found both of the boys.
"Both were wonderful kids," Taryl Hoskin said. He went on to call their loss "devastating" not only to their families but to the community as well.
Taryl Hoskin said his son was an avid animal lover and was a hard worker.
"When he was not at work he was dealing with horses or at the gym with his friends," Taryl Hoskin said.
His son was a shift leader at Your Pie in Gluckstadt. He loved all animals but trained, broke, roped and cared for horses.
"He loved horses," Taryl Hoskin said. "That was his passion."
Tyrese Hoskin was a rising senior at Germantown High School. He is survived by his parents, step mother and six siblings.
Taryl Hoskin said he knew Armond Littleton "like a son."
"Armond was a great kid," Taryl Hoskin said. "He was real active in his church and athletics. I coached him on my travel ball team and he was part of a youth organization I am involved in. He was an amazing kid."
Brandice Green-Littleton said her son's middle name was Khaleel, which means "friend" or "to be friendly." She said he embodied that name.
"He was loved by so many and took friendship very seriously," Green-Littleton said. "He would do anything for his friends."
His mother said her son looked forward to playing his first football and basketball games at Madison Central.
"He was excited for his sophomore year and it is something he won't be able to do," she said.
Armond Littleton was known for his love for his older sister Khloe Littleton and younger brother Braedon Littleton.
"He loved his siblings and he loved me," Brandice Green-Littleton said. "He had a big heart, period."
She said his favorite Bible verse was Psalm 51:10 from the King James translation, which say, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
Madison County Schools issued a statement concerning the deaths:
"It is with great sadness that the Madison County Schools family mourns the tragic loss of two students. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Tyrese Hoskin and Armond Littleton and the communities of Germantown High School and Madison Central High School."
A candlelight vigil was held for Hoskin at Germantown High School on Aug. 2. Green-Littleton said a vigil for her son is set at Liberty Park at 7 p.m. Saturday.
A viewing is scheduled at Peoples Funeral Home in Canton on Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at Pine Lake Baptist Church at 223 Old Jackson Rd, in Madison.