Neighbors: Mother was drinking before crash that killed 2 sons in Nassau County

Alcohol was a factor in a crash that killed a woman's two sons and left six other children seriously hurt in Nassau County on Saturday, troopers said.

LATEST: Teen inside SUV describes moments before deadly Nassau County crash

Neighbors tell Action News Jax Tonya Capallia-Eason, 33 was drinking rum at a children’s Halloween party where alcohol was not being served before the accident.

People at the party said she helped clean up and was among the last to leave around 11:45 p.m.

The party hosts tell Action News Jax they tried to keep her from driving the Ford Expedition but she did so anyway.

Photos: Two boys killed in Nassau County crash

Eight children between 7 and 15 years old were in the SUV when she sped off. Troopers said she failed to negotiate a curve on Lonnie Crews Road near Lina Road.

The SUV crossed the southbound lane, hit a utility pole and flipped. It came to rest on its roof on the shoulder of Lina Road.

Friends say Capallia-Eason's two sons, 8 and 9 years old, were killed in the crash.

A 7-year-old, 13-year-old, 14-year-old and three 15-year-olds were seriously hurt in the crash.

According to the crash report, Capallia-Eason was treated for minor injuries.

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Community members reflected on what happened at a vigil for the victims Sunday night.

“It’s tragic for our community,” said Dawn Glisson, who was a teacher for several of the children involved. “We need to join together as a community and pray for this family and the other children involved in this tragic accident.”

The incident shocked many in the area, who say this was entirely out of character for Capallia-Eason.

They say she was a dedicated and involved parent.

“I don’t even know how to fathom what Tonya was thinking,” said Glisson. “We have got to start learning some lessons that alcohol does not go with driving.”

We dug into Capallia-Eason’s driving record. She’s been charged twice with driving without a license.

She does not have any DUIs on her record.

People have come by to pay their respects ahead of a vigil that is expected tonight. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/Rwx0uvZktl

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