The Wise County community holds on faith after authorities found 7-year-old dead Athena Strand. Religious leaders, parents, and her friends mourned after she died at a young age. Nothing was upsetting in the community for many years, which was why people lamented as they remembered Athena Strand.
The pastor of First Baptist Church of Cottondale, a local church, spoke about the victim. According to an article published by NBC DFW, Pastor Charles Pugh described Athena Strand as a child filled with love.
Mourns for a Child Who Became Family
Pastor Charles Pugh and Athena Strand had a grandfather-granddaughter connection. She became a family as she resembled the granddaughter of the pastor. The pastor cried when they got the information regarding the tragedy of Athena Strand. Pastor Pugh said the congregation and community lost a family member.
Before authorities found Athena Strand, the people of Wise County worked to find her. They hoped nothing severe would happen to her. First Baptist Church of Cottondale stepped and led the community during the search.
Serves as Information Facility
The First Baptist Church of Cottondale served as an information center during the search. People went back and forth to report any updates. The efforts turned into grief as Athena Strand was found dead. After the search, the community did not know how to accept the tragedy.
Pastor Charles Pugh said other parents became more protective of their children. The adjunct minister of First Baptist Church, Pastor Phil Erickson, spoke to his son after the tragedy.
One of the Classmates of Athena Strand
The son of Pastor Erickson was a friend of the victim in school. They were roommates. The pastor advised his son before he returned to school that many other friends remained hurt. Pastor Erickson encouraged his son to make friends with others as Strand did. It would help them recover from the tragedy.
The Tragedy
Earlier this month, NBC DFW reported the abduction of Athena Strand. According to the news, the suspect was 31-year-old Tanner Horner. Horner admitted he killed the child after he abducted her. The report also stated the abduction happened last week.
Horner went to the house of Strand to deliver a package. He worked as a driver for FedEx. Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin stated they struggled to investigate the case because the victim was a child. One of the volunteers during the search, Mary Stapleton, said they worked tirelessly to find Strand. Stapleton added they cling to their faith that nothing severe happened to her.
Stapleton knew the Strand Family. Her house is adjacent to them.
Charged with Capital Murder and Aggravated Kidnapping
The justices charged Tanner Horner with a couple of criminal charges. These include capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. Three agencies teamed up to solve the case. Texas Rangers, the FBI, and the Wise County Sheriff's Department were these departments.
About First Baptist Church of Cottondale
First Baptist Church of Cottondale opened its door in 1955. It began through the efforts of its founder Bro. Dub Turner. He saw that the Cottondale community needed a church to grow their faith. Pastor Charles Pugh is the longtime pastor of First Baptist Church of Cottondale. He started his tenure in 1997.
