Country music star donates to family of Franklin fan killed in crash

Country singer Lee Brice donated to an online fundraiser for the family of a Franklin woman killed in a head-on crash. Brice said, “I felt like I was part of their family and I wanted to help — just like I’d help my own family.” CONTRIBUTED

Country singer Lee Brice donated to an online fundraiser for the family of a Franklin woman killed in a head-on crash. Brice said, “I felt like I was part of their family and I wanted to help — just like I’d help my own family.” CONTRIBUTED

While mourning Courtney Trent’s death, her family received a heart-warming surprise: a country star’s addition to an online fund established to support the family.

MORE: Franklin woman killed in head-on crash after driver falls asleep at wheel

Trent, 20, died in a head-on car crash June 17 in Franklin after an oncoming driver fell asleep at the wheel. Her husband, James Daley, 20, was injured in the crash. The couple, parents of a 6-month-old son, were on her way home from celebrating her one-year wedding anniversary a day early, according to a longtime friend.

On June 19, a campaign to support the family on the website Meal Train, which allows community members to donate money and volunteer to provide dinners, was started.

One donation — in the amount of $1,135 — stood out.

Country singer Lee Brice made the donation with a note saying, “Y’all will be in my prayers.”

MORE: Franklin crash victim, 20, remembered as ‘amazing person’

Brice was Trent’s favorite musician, according to her brother, Trenten Scott.

Scott reached out to the country star on Twitter after his sister’s death. Brice privately messaged Scott soon after, asking how he could help, so Scott said he sent him a link to the online collection.

The page has raised more than $3,000 from dozens of people, including Brice.

All money collected, according to Scott, will go toward funeral expenses and the care of Trent’s six-month-old son.

“Our fans treat us so well,” Brice said. “We love them. I felt like I was part of their family and I wanted to help — just like I’d help my own family.”

“(Brice’s donation) had a huge impact,” Scott said. “That much money really helped me and my family out. I was very surprised. I have a bunch of respect for him. He’s a great person.”

The country star, known best for his songs “A Woman Like You,” “I Don’t Dance” and “Hard to Love,” said, “My fans are like family, so, being concerned, I checked out the link.”

About the Author