Mother Of Missing Girl Involved In Car Crash

The mother of missing kindergartner Haleigh Cummings was involved in a car crash in Putnam County on Monday afternoon.

Crystal Sheffield had a minor car crash on Crill Avenue in Palatka just before 1 p.m.

Palatka police said Sheffield might have had some kind of seizure before rear-ending another vehicle. They said she then drove herself of Putnam Community Medical Center.

"Ms. Sheffield complained that she had some type of medical episode just prior to the accident, and that's what distracted her and caused her to run into the rear of the vehicle," said Palatka Police Department Assistant Chief James Griffiths.

Family friends said Sheffield just got herself checked out at the hospital. They said there Sheffield has had a seizure in the past, and that she won't be driving until doctors determine what is going on.

Sheffield's youngest daughter, Chloe, was in the car at the time of the crash. She was not hurt, according to police.

Teachers, Schoolmates Hopeful For Haleigh's Return

Sheffield's 5-year-old daughter, Haleigh, has been missing for seven weeks. On Monday, Haleigh's school principal said students and teachers have not yet moved on.

Instead of playing on the school playground with other kindergartners or riding the bus home after fun day in class, a sign is posted in front of Browning Pearce Elementary School in San Mateo asking people to pray for Haleigh.

"We're still waiting for her return and planning a homecoming for when she gets here," said Principal Debra Buckler.

Yellow ribbons remain wrapped around trees all around the school. Inside, Buckler said the signs that Haleigh is still missing are obvious.

"It is very hard to look at that little empty chair every day. Her cubby still has some of her things in it, and she's still on the role, and we're still hoping for her to come back," Buckler said.

She said students at the school are still asking about Haleigh, hoping their classmate will return soon.

"Our hope, and will continue be, that Haleigh will return to us and we'll have a nice homecoming for her and a big party and celebration," said Assistant Principal Tim Adams.

Anyone who has any information that could help find Haleigh is asked to call Crimestoppers at 888-277-TIPS.