Family and friends are mourning the loss of a former Dawson County middle school student.

Tristan Keown, 14, died from injuries Friday after a car crash in Henry County.

Known for his smile and infectious personality, Keown had lived in Cleveland for the past year.

“He was a good kid that always had a smile on his face and loved to come to school and see his friends,” said Riverview Middle School Principal Bill Zadernack. “He had a lot of friends when here.”

The eighth-grader, who enjoyed hunting, transferred to White County Middle School in September.

Theresa Anderson, a school counselor with White County, described the teen as a “charmer” with “a smile that could touch the core of many hearts.”

“He was really a sweet kid,” she said. “I told him one time when he was having trouble with one of his teachers that he should use that charm to his advantage to get them to do whatever he wanted.”

Anderson said Keown often talked about his grandfather and the pain he felt in losing him.

“My heart aches in knowing that Tristan was with us for such a short period of time,” she said. “But in searching for some understanding, I find a bit of comfort in knowing he is once again with the grandfather who he loved so dearly.”

Survivors include his parents, Shane and Betty Keown of Cleveland and Tammy Keown of Dawsonville, and two sisters.

Funeral services were held Tuesday in the chapel of Bearden Funeral Home. Interment followed at Sawnee View Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to offset final expenses. Send donations to Bearden Funeral Home, P.O. Box 185 Dawsonville, GA 30534.