Family remembers teen decapitated by roller coaster

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By Dustin Blanchard dblanchard@nbcaugusta.com

Story Published: Jun 29, 2008 at 7:22 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 1, 2008 at 12:41 AM EDT

NBC Augusta has learned more about the South Carolina teen killed by a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Asia Leeshawn Ferguson was from Columbia, South Carolina. He was with a Sunday School group from Oakey Spring Baptist Church in Springfield, South Carolina.

His family said they're still in shock, but they continuously referenced their faith.

They said they prayed the entire way back from Atlanta and it didn't stop when they arrived in Springfield.

Asia Leeshawn Ferguson's family says that's what their "Shawn" would've wanted.

"He sang on our church choir, he even led a song once," said Shawn's aunt, Lateshia Jenkins.

Shawn's dad says he looked forward to this trip every year.

"It's a trip we take cause kids may not get a chance to go nowhere else," he said.

For the Ferguson's the church is family and the family is the church.

"All I can do is cry," Jenkins said.

Shawn's dad says his son was hoping to go to college and considering serving our country in the National Guard.

Saturday, Jul 5 at 5:32 PM BSW wrote ...

NOT SURE WHO THE PERSON IS AND WHY SUCH CRUEL INTENTIONS MAKING SICK JOKES ABOUT SOMETHING SO REAL..MY HEART GOES OUT FOR THIS FAMILY..TO LOOSE A CHILD IN SUCH A TRAGIC WAY HAS TO BE UNBEARABLE..AS FAR AS THE PERSON MAKING THESE SICK COMMENTS I THINK WE SHOULD DO EVERYTHING WE CAN EVEN IF ITS CONTACTING THE LAW TO FIND OUT WHO THIS IS.THESE SICK COMMENTS SHOULD NOT BE LOOKED PASSED..ANYONE WHO POST A COMMENT ON THIS SITE AND..THEY CAN BE TRACKED!!!TO ALL WHO READ THIS..WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Saturday, Jul 5 at 11:49 AM JO wrote ...

MAY GOD COMFORT AND BE BE WITH THE FERGUSON FAMILY IN THEIR TIME OF PRECIOUS LOSS. I DID NOT KNOW ASIA NOR THE FAMIL; I AM FROM GA BUT ALL I CAN DO IS THINK OF ASIA AND THE FAMILY. MAY GOD STRENGTHEN, BLESS, AND KEEP YOU ALL. FOR HE SAID HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU, HE WILL BE WITH YOU TILL THE END OF TIME. GOD BLESS

Friday, Jul 4 at 11:19 AM JonesinBoston wrote ...

I can't help but be human and say that it hurts terribly to learn of this tragedy. My deepest prayers of peace and understanding.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 5:50 PM Audrey wrote ...

Its a sad story and i wish the family the best in getting over this tragic accident. Always remember the good of your child and remember that he is now watching over you.. My family will be praying for you. And the negative comments. Get a life.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 11:31 AM Ladyrae wrote ...

What a horrible tragedy. It's so sad how ppl can joke about a sad situation. My condolences to his family and close friends.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 12:11 PM Anonymous wrote ...

HOW CRUEL ARE PEOPLE IN OUR SOCIETY TO SAY SUCH THINGS TO A FAMILY WHO HAS JUST LOST A LOVED ONE MAY SOMEONE BE PRAYING FOR YOUR HEARTS.

Tuesday, Jul 1 at 11:04 PM TLD wrote ...

Lord, Stand by those whose hearts are most torn by this horiffic loss of life. May they be able to recall the best of Asia and who and what he was - as time moves forward. May his family & friends be comforted by the thought that their lives were enriched just from knowing him. God bless and keep you. Rest peacefully, Asia.

Tuesday, Jul 1 at 6:41 PM Roz.....Atlanta wrote ...

No one is perfect on this earth! We all have made mistakes some of us got a chance to not make that mistake again and some didn't.So those who make fun of this death had better watch out for that thing called Karma. I hope Asia's family will somehow find peace with his tranformation.......

Tuesday, Jul 1 at 6:26 PM Rhonda Oates wrote ...

May God continue to be with the family he knows how to comfort us in times like these,continue to look to God and be at peace.

Tuesday, Jul 1 at 6:19 PM Kennedy Jones wrote ...

Please don't tell me you think this was God's doing? This was a tragic, tragic accident. Nothing more. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the church.

Tuesday, Jul 1 at 12:58 PM Chrissy wrote ...

I am DISGUSTED with some of these comments that made this tragic situation into a joke. May God have mercy on YOUR souls. My prayers go out to the family and friends of this precious young man!

Tuesday, Jul 1 at 12:15 AM Nancy wrote ...

Keep your eyes on God for he will bring you peace in this storm. Many prayers are being said for this family. Everyone, please raise your voice in prayer for this family.

Monday, Jun 30 at 11:27 PM HarleyMan wrote ...

Faith will ease your pain and guide you thru this tragedy. My prayers to the friends and family.

Monday, Jun 30 at 6:43 PM TAN wrote ...

I WAS THERE AT SIX FLAGS WHEN THAT HAPPENED AND I WAS JUST GEETING ON THAT RIDE.I HEARD ALOT OF PEOPLE SCREAMING AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON. I HEARD THAT SOMEONE GOT HIT BY A RIDE. I DIDN'T BELIEVE IT UNTIL I EXIT THE RIDE AND I SEEN SOMEONE LAYING ON THE GROUND. ALL I COULD DO WAS CRY. BUT MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY. THAT WAS ON MY MIND ALL DAY AND NIGHT I NEVER THOUGHT NOTHING LIKE THAT WOULD HAPPEN.:(

Monday, Jun 30 at 5:58 PM David wrote ...

Although I didn't know him my prayers are with his family. I am an employee at Six Flags Over GA and I was working the day the incident occured. Things happen for a reason and God doesn't make any mistakes with his children. Sorry for the lost and keep your head up...

Monday, Jun 30 at 4:19 PM David wrote ...

Although I didn't know him my prayers are with his family. I am an employee at Six Flags Over GA and I was working the day the incident occured. Don't look at this situation as a mistake because things happen for a reason and God doesn't make any mistakes with his children. Sorry for the lost and keep your head up...

Monday, Jun 30 at 3:44 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Delicious brains splattered on the ground?! I'm totally there!

Monday, Jun 30 at 3:43 PM Anonymous wrote ...

HE SHOULD'VE KEPT HIS HEAD UP LOL

Monday, Jun 30 at 12:01 PM Thea Williams wrote ...

This is such a tragedy. Another sad example of a teen taking a foolish chance and paying with his life. My prayers are with his family, friends, church family and anyone who knew him. Maybe something good can come from this: maybe more young people will realize that they are not invincible, and it's not worth it to take a chance with your life, not for a hat or anything else. It's just not worth it, young people! THINK!!!

Monday, Jun 30 at 8:03 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Just keep that faith and GOD will see you threw. He just needed another precious flower to add to his glorious garden!

Monday, Jun 30 at 5:41 AM sad day wrote ...

May god be with the family and friends as they deal with this. My prayers are with them

Monday, Jun 30 at 4:19 AM Eric Beasley wrote ...

I am heartbroken at the news of this young man's death. As a parent I can only imagine what you must be going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Monday, Jun 30 at 1:01 AM Q.R. wrote ...

So very sorry for their loss. The mistakes of youth are supposed to be forgiven. Always so tragic when the young pay so dearly for a lapse in judgment. Thoughts and prayers are with them.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 11:18 PM Saera wrote ...

:(

Sunday, Jun 29 at 11:14 PM god wrote ...

dont jump that fence or the devil will have u

Sunday, Jun 29 at 9:59 PM shannon wrote ...

Keep the faith and may God lead you. You will be in my prayers.

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