Charlotte, NC : 32-year-old Kandace Helms killed and two children injured in head-on collision on Highway 150 in Lincoln County on Tuesday morning, March 8, 2016

A Lincoln County mother was killed in a head-on collision while driving her two young children to school Tuesday morning.

Kandace Helms, 32, was pronounced dead on the scene. State Troopers say a red pickup truck, driven by David Boyd, 48, crossed the center line on Highway 150 near Old Mills, sideswiped one vehicle and then hit Helms' van head-on.

"It is very hard to grasp, I think we are all still in a state of shock," said Paige Lane, a long-time family friend.

Helms was trapped inside her van. Rescue crews believed she died from the impact. Her two sons, 7-year-old Peyton and 3-year-old Mason were in the van with her. They survived the crash and were transported to CMC in Charlotte. Her youngest son has a neck injury; the oldest is said to be fine.

"Those little boys, thank God they made it through. They are going to need a lot of support in coming days, weeks and years," said Lane.

The accident happened barely a mile from Helms' home. The stay-at-home-mom had made the drive on 150 many times before.

"She was doing the normal mommy thing, just taking the kids to school-- something many of us do everyday and don't think twice about it," Lane explained.

Helms was a long time active member of the Boger City Baptist Church. Her pastor says this is a big blow to their church family.

"At times like this the only thing we can do is have faith and trust in Him, and when we get to heaven we will understand," said Rev. Bill Bigham.

Her death is also difficult for firefighters responding to the crash since several knew the family personally.

"It is very emotional; we do have a stress debriefing, we have one set up for this afternoon for all of our members," said Nick James, Assistant Fire Chief with the Boger City Fire Department.

"One of the troopers gave one of the kids a teddy bear to calm him down a little bit, it is still going to be hectic for the kids because they've been in a bad trauma situation," he explained.

A prayer service for Helms is expected to be held at 6:30 Monday night at her church. The driver, David Boyd, has been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. He has received a citation and a court date. A toxicology report is pending.

Boyd remains in CMC in fair condition for his injuries from the crash.

Source :
Mom killed in Lincoln County accident