Herbert statement on loss of sons

Doug and Sonnie Herbert, the parents of two young men killed in an automobile crash Saturday morning in Cornelius, issued the following statement late Saturday night after Doug returned from a National Hot Rod Association test in Phoenix. Jon Herbert was 17 and James Herbert was 12. Their sister, Jessie, is 9. Plans for a memorial service are still to be announced: "Our kids have always been our best friends and the bond between the two of us. As you can imagine, the loss we are both feeling for Jon and James at the moment is unimaginable.

"As brothers, they were always together and were each other's best friend. "Jon loved music and cars. He was a dreamer, happy, peaceful and was most pleased when everyone got along. "James loved to skateboard and ride dirt bikes, but he had the kindest heart and was compassionate to all. "Our very special boys also loved their little sister, Jessie, who already misses her big brothers.

"Our family is deeply grateful for the wishes and prayers from our friends, the community and the boy's classmates at SouthLake Christian Academy.

"Our boys would not like everyone to be upset and cry right now, so please smile when you think of them.

"Thank you for keeping Jon, James, Jessie and our entire family in your prayers as we work through this time of sorrow."