Three high school football teammates tragically lost their lives in a car crash in North Carolina, which police say happened after two sisters were racing their vehicles at dangerously high speeds earlier this month.
Jai-Hyon Elliot, 18, Nicholas Williams, 17, and Trevor Merritt, 17, all died in the crash on October 8, according to local news outlets WTVD, WYFF, and WRAL. The three teens were football players at E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, a community now mourning their deaths on social media.
“We will not grieve without hope, even in the darkness the light shines,” the school’s football team shared in a heartfelt memorial post. “In the midst of the storm still we will overcome. We will forever celebrate and honor the lives of our 3 amazing young men, and are grateful for the experiences and memories we enjoyed with them.”
Destini Genwright, 19, and her older sister Dymond Monroe, 21, face charges related to the crash. Both were charged with four misdemeanor counts including racing, speeding, reckless driving, and an insurance violation. Monroe also faces three felony counts of involuntary manslaughter. She remains in critical condition at the hospital following injuries from the crash, officials say.
Authorities allege Monroe was speeding while racing her sister as they were on their way to their younger brother’s 18th birthday party, reports ABC 11 and WRAL. Officials have yet to confirm all the details.
District Attorney Billy West described the case as one of the most tragic he’s seen in 25 years. “Any time young people in our community lose their lives, that makes it more tragic,” he said, adding, “Even though there is sympathy, there also has to be accountability.”
The crash reportedly occurred just before 7:30 p.m. as Monroe was driving the three football players from practice in her Honda Civic. Monroe allegedly raced Genwright, who was driving another car on the same road. Court documents show Monroe was going about 76 mph in a 45 mph zone when she lost control and crashed into a telephone pole.
Genwright turned herself in on October 21 and was charged with the misdemeanor counts. She was released on a $10,000 bond, police said.
Fayetteville Police continue to investigate the crash and said more information will be released as it becomes available.
In a touching tribute, photos from the football team’s first game back on October 17 showed players carrying the jerseys of their late teammates to midfield for the ceremonial coin toss. The team wore towels and helmet stickers with the players’ numbers, while parents wore clothing with inspirational messages honoring the three young men.
“Our Cumberland County Schools family is heartbroken,” Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy said after the crash. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three young men from E.E. Smith High School who passed away yesterday. All three were members of the Golden Bulls Football Team and were students, teammates, and friends whose presence left a lasting impact on those around them.”
Bracy added, “From the four corners of Cumberland County and beyond, we join together to wrap our arms around the E.E. Smith community. We stand with their families, loved ones, classmates, teammates, and school family as they grieve this devastating loss.”
