CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. — A crash near a high school left two students dead and one other injured in Cleveland County.
The crash happened just in front of Burns High School on Falls Street in Lawndale on Wednesday around 3 p.m. Investigators told WCNC Charlotte that two students were killed in the crash while a third student was injured. All three students attended Burns High School, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The two students have been named by law enforcement: Dequavious Hopper, 17, and Jaelyn Abraham, 14.
“My son died. My grandson was 14 – Jaelyn, forever 14. He didn’t even get a chance, him or Dequavious," Bernar Ross shared, lamenting the death of her grandson. "They were loved – by the school, teachers, family, friends - they were good kids."
State troopers said a Ford Focus failed to yield when turning left and was struck by a Ford F-450. None of the people in the Ford F-450 were injured.
Hopper was the driver of the Ford Focus, and Abraham was the rear passenger. Both of them died in the crash. The front passenger in the Ford Focus is in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
"We are deeply saddened to share about the accident at Burns High School," Cleveland County Schools said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and all who loved them."
Administrators said counselors will be on the campus starting on Thursday for any students who need support.
Lawndale residents WCNC Charlotte spoke to Thursday said that the intersection has been the center of multiple crashes over many years. Geoffrey Oats is a father and said his son was in an accident there last November. His son was okay, but law enforcement said if his car was one foot further up, he wouldn't have survived the crash.
He said since there's been several crashes he's turned to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for a solution.
“I’ve called the DOT and we can’t get any answers, they wont answer, nobody will call you back, nothing," Oats said.
WCNC Charlotte reached out to NCDOT, requested crash data and if any solutions gave been talked over. We received a statement.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of two Burns High School students earlier this week, and we send our deepest sympathies to their families and friends. When a fatal crash occurs, our regional traffic engineer orders a thorough investigation of the roadway, using historical crash data and location-specific roadway conditions to determine if any intersection and/or safety improvements are warranted. This process typically takes several months to complete. In addition, the Department has not received any formal requests to evaluate the intersection of Falls Street and N.C. 182 for a traffic signal or other modifications. A signal will be installed at E. Stage Coach Trail and Shady Grove Road, currently in the preconstruction phase.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation into the crash. No charges will be filed in the crash.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.