Family, friends mourn death of former CCHS student
A selfie of Autumn Nicole Milburn smiling.
Jul 28, 2020
The Caney Creek High School community is mourning the loss of former student Autumn Nicole Milburn, who died in a car accident Friday morning.
Bridgit Sigford, a close family friend, has helped organize a GoFundMe to help the Milburn’s family with funeral expenses.
According to a report from the Montgomery County Police Reporter, Milburn drove off of the road soon after 6 a.m., crossing a ditch and slamming into a storage building. Her vehicle continued driving on Terry’s Feed Store property until she hit a post near a church. The cause of the crash has not been determined.
“I saw this girl posting (an article) and she said I used to see her around school,” Milburn’s friend Katia Almazan said. “It’s so sad; I started looking through who would share and comment maybe they said who it is because it didn’t say who it was just an 18-year-old girl.
“I was looking through it and I saw her aunt’s and her uncle’s comment on it. I saw her (aunt’s) profile and she said ‘we were really devastated’ and I looked at what she posted – pictures of (Autumn). I was like, ‘really, it can’t be Autumn. It can’t be her.’ She just posted on Instagram the day before and now she’s gone.”
Milburn recently texted Almazan asking her to hang out since they haven’t seen each other in a long time.
Some of her former CCHS teachers are also mourning the loss.
“I read about the accident, but at that time, the victim wasn’t identified,” English teacher Christine Zimmer said. “I saw a GoFundMe post on Facebook with her picture. That’s how I found out. I was devastated. She was way too young.”
The link to GoFundMe had been shared in between friends and family with a picture of Milburn.
“(Autumn) made a huge impact in my life,” Zimmer said. “I moved here from Pennsylvania and she made me feel welcome. She was kind to everyone and stood up for others. She is someone I will never forget.”
Zimmer said Milburn saw her classroom decorations and took an interest.
“I had Steelers stuff on my classroom wall and one day, she brought me a Steelers sweatshirt,” Zimmer said. “It’s my favorite sweatshirt to this day. She always asked about my sons who have autism, and seemed genuinely interested in them.”
Almazan said everyone should remember Milburn as a sweet girl.
“She’s gone now and we should teach each other now as teenagers to not let anything happen to any of us again,” Almazan said. “She has been through so much.”
Funeral Services for Autumn Nicole Milburn organized by Bridgit Sigford
Tabitha Porter • Aug 11, 2020 at 9:46 am
I still haven’t come to the realization that she has actually passed away… I’ve known autumn since we were in 6th Grade at one point in time you could say she was my best friend/ only friend.. Autumn had such an amazing heart and spirit she always tried to see the good in everyone and every situation that’s why I just breaks my heart to know she’s gone. When I seen the new article I just couldn’t believe that it was her, so I read it over and over and over again just wishing something was wrong wishing that someone made a mistake somewhere… This world won’t be the same without you autumn l will always love and miss you dearly and my son will grow up to know what an amazing and beautiful young woman you became… You were taken from us way to soon my dear but now your sweet baby boy has his mommy up in heaven with him. Sending prayers to your family, You light will never be forgotten sweet girl.
Leslie • Jul 28, 2020 at 6:39 pm
I met her after school in dance class , she was a kind, friendly n lovely person rip autumn ?
Jane • Jul 28, 2020 at 4:33 pm
I was a nurse and worked with Autumn’s cousin for 9 years, I watched Autumn grow up, she visited at the home where I worked. Autumn was a beautiful person, she made me laugh when I saw her. I will miss her.
Cassee Gates • Jul 28, 2020 at 1:50 pm
I’ve known her since junior high. We spoke a few times in both 7th and 8th grade. I remember sitting down with her at lunch and a few other friends, as we would all laugh because she always had something funny to say. We last messaged each other in 2018. I went through our messages the other day and I said “I’ve always wanted to be good friends with you” she responded, “of course we can be good friends, and I’ll always be here for you through anything”. I still can’t believe this is true. It feels like a dream. I’ll love her forever
Rj Mayon • Jul 28, 2020 at 1:11 pm
I miss her so much RIP Autum ???