Newcastle residents mourn the death of a local teen

The tragic accident claimed the life 19-year-old Brandon Bailey, of Newcastle, who died after fireworks exploded in a pasture between Newcastle and Olney.

Residents of the small community reflected on the impact the young man left on those who knew.

Brittney Nolan, a Newscastle resident, says Brandon's untimely death spread throughout the town quickly and

"Here in Newscastle, everyone is family. Everyone knows everyone personally. Just to see him go, it's pretty hard," Nolan says.

Brandon was an allstar athlete who excelled in football, basketball, baseball and others sports.

Nolan says his personality was what shined through the most.

"He'd always made people laugh and smile. When somebody was down or something, he'd always try to get them up. It's pretty sad to see him just go like that," Nolan says.

The small town is still trying to cope with this tragedy and fondly hold onto their last memories of Brandon.

Tommy Jordan, a Newcastle resident, remebers the last time he encountered Brandon

"Right when I walked in, I flexed my muscles at him and he had no t-shirt on; he flexed his muscles back and just laughed and I walked out. That's the last time I remember him," Jordan says.

Nolan says the residents of Newcastle are there for the Bailey family.

"It's a good feeling that when something bad, tragic happens, you actually have someone to fall back on... I love to say that I live in Newcastle. It's only 500 people. I'm proud to say I live here," Nolan says.

Even though this tragedy will stay with the community for quite some time, community members say Brandon's short life will never be forgotten.

Visitation for Brandon's family and friends is on Saturday, July 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home in Graham.

The funeral service is on Sunday, July 8, at 3 p.m. at Newcastle High School auditorium.