Thank You to a Lufkin Student Who Lifted the Lives of So Many

If you visit the KICKS 105 control room, in addition to all the broadcast equipment (and quite a bit of clutter), you'll see some photos and keepsakes. Many of those photos are of country artists who years ago used to stop by the region, such as Garth, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, and Trace Adkins.

I also keep several personal items that mean a lot to me. I have pictures of my family in the studio, I have a crucifix that reminds me of what is most important in my life, and I have an autographed baseball from the Lufkin Little League team that won the U.S. Championship.

Friday evening, I started seeing social media posts about a fatal accident that had occurred on Highway 259 near the Tonkawa Springs turnoff. Later, I saw the tragic post from Lufkin Panther Sports.

Lufkin Panther Sports would like to offer our prayers and compassion to the Lance Modisette Family, his Mother Kim Noble. Lance passed away this afternoon in an auto accident near Nacogdoches, after an afternoon outing with his Lufkin teammates. Lance was a member of the Lufkin Panther baseball team and the Thundering 13 baseball team. He was scheduled to graduate next Friday with his Class of 2023.

My autographed baseball has not been out of its case since it was given to me years ago. I took the ball out this morning and held it in my hand. I saw Lance's signature and all I could think to say was 'Thank You'.

Thank you, Lance, for giving so many people so many great memories. People you have never even met have had their lives lifted thanks to you. Like so many others, I grieve this tragic loss but celebrate the glorious life you have now gained.

Lufkin ISD has passed along that memorial preparations are being made. Please keep the Modisette family, Panther baseball team members, coaches, teachers and the students of the Class of 2023 in your prayers.