Just moments before meeting his classmates Tuesday morning for their senior trip to Baton Rouge, an Enterprise High School senior lost his life in a one-car accident on Bogue Chitto Road.

Dakota Wyland was pronounced dead at the scene by Lincoln County Coroner Clay McMorris.

He is the son of Heath and Cameron Wyland and Jennifer and Michael Lee.

Wyland had left his home on Bogue Chitto Road in the McCall Creek community and was headed east toward the school when he wrecked his 2007 Nissan Altima about a half mile from Hwy. 583, said Lincoln County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Johnny Hall.

“It looks like he may have overcorrected and ran off the road, which caused the accident,” he said.

Hall said the vehicle also flipped.

The wreck happened about 6:21 a.m. Students were meeting at the school at 6:30 p.m. to leave for Louisiana, Lincoln County School District Superintendent Mickey Myers said.

After hearing the news on the bus, the seniors and teachers agreed to continue on with their trip, Enterprise Attendance Center principal Terry Brister said.

“They pulled over at a rest area and the teachers on the trip broke the news to the students,” Brister said. “After they had time to understand the situation, the seniors prayed over what to do. They felt they should continue on. Every senior class has taken the same trip.”

Brister said it was an extremely emotional time as the news spread throughout the school Tuesday morning.

“Despite how emotional everyone has been,” he said. “I am proud of the way our students accepted and understood the news. I am proud of the adjustments they made as a student body to proceed with the day.”

Wyland is being remembered as a considerate, respectful and likeable person.

“Dakota participated in tennis,” Brister said. “He was everybody’s friend.”

Assistant tennis coach Karen Dunaway said Wyland was committed to tennis.

“He was dedicated to the sport,” she said. “He would play whatever position we needed him in that day. He would never give up in a match. He would do his best to come. His attitude was always positive, win or lose.”

Dunaway said since the tennis season has not begun, the team is scattered, however many of them are already feeling Wyland’s absence.

“They realize a big part of our team is missing,” she said.

“Dakota wasn’t an extrovert as far as personality, but he was always kind,” Dunaway continued. “He was respectful and had a good heart.”

Counselors and area pastors met with the students Tuesday at the school, and will continue to be available as long as they are needed, Brister said.

The community has readily sent prayers via social media to Wyland’s family, the students and staff at Enterprise Attendance Center and those touched by his presence.

Services for Wyland are Friday at 2 p.m. at Riverwood Family Funeral Service. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.