Memorial Service set tonight for Calvary Baptist’s Elana Franks

by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

Calvary Baptist senior and softball standout Elana Franks, 17, sustained life-threatening injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Fern Avenue in Shreveport late Tuesday morning. Despite multiple surgeries to address internal bleeding and a severe brain injury, her family has announced that she will not survive.

Franks, an organ donor, will be honored tonight with a private Honor Walk at Ochsner LSU Hospital. A public memorial service and flag raising will be held promptly at 8 pm at the flagpole at the front entrance of the hospital.

The accident, involving a Chevrolet Camaro and a GMC Yukon, occurred around 11 am. The driver and passenger of the Yukon sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while Greg Franks, Elana’s father, was extricated by first responders. Elana, unresponsive at the scene, required an extensive extraction effort.

A beloved member of Calvary’s softball program since the seventh grade, Franks was a key player in the Cavaliers’ 2023-2024 state championship run.

Calvary superintendent Chad McDowell expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support, sharing updates on social media as the community rallies around the Franks family during this heartbreaking time. He shared the below this evening:

“With a heavy heart and deep sadness, we share that Elana Franks will not survive her injuries. While this news is heartbreaking, we take comfort in knowing that Elena was an organ donor, as her parents, Greg and Lisa, have so graciously shared. To honor Elana’s life and her decision to give the gift of life, there will be an Honor Walk this evening at Ochsner’s. The time is still being finalized, but we will share the details as soon as we have them—likely within the next hour.

Mom is asking anyone and everyone who would be so kind to honor Elana’s life to be a part of this flag raising. We will line the walls of the hall as they transport Elana from her ICU room to harvest her organs. Additionally, there will be an honorary flag raising at the hospital in her memory immediately following. We invite all family, friends, and the incredible community who want to participate, to join us in this meaningful moment of remembrance. Please continue to pray for Greg, Lisa, Braden, and the entire family during this incredibly difficult time. We love you, Elana Franks.”

Update:

“Important Update for Family and Friends:

The family would like to invite anyone who would like to attend a special flag raising ceremony in honor of Elana’s life. The ceremony will take place at the flag pole of the front entrance of Ochsner’s, with the LOPA flag being raised as well.

Tonight the ceremony will begin promptly at 8:00 PM.

Please gather outside the front entrance of Oschner’s between 7:30 PM – 7:45 pm. We invite you to join us as we celebrate Elana’s life and honor her legacy.

Another piece of important information: Tonight’s Honor Walk is not open to the Calvary community. The details of the Honor Walk are being shared with their family and a few friends.”