North Carolina Teen Passes Away In Tragic Accident
A North Carolina community is mourning the loss of a high school student after a deadly single-vehicle crash claimed his life in the early morning hours Thursday, authorities said.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the fatal wreck occurred at approximately 1:58 a.m. near the Porters Neck Road and Market Street area. Investigators said the vehicle veered off the roadway before entering a ditch and colliding with multiple trees. Officials said no other vehicles were involved in the incident, and no additional injuries were reported.
Authorities revealed that the response to the crash began after an automatic emergency alert was transmitted from the teenager’s cellphone. Deputies with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office responded to the vicinity near the Porters Neck Road roundabout but were initially unable to locate the crash site.
When the teen failed to return home, his mother reportedly used her phone to track his location before contacting 911 a second time. Deputies returned to the area and expanded their search, eventually locating the wrecked vehicle hidden within a wooded section off the roadway.
Investigators said the teen had been ejected from the vehicle during the crash.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol did not immediately identify the victim publicly. However, a message sent to faculty by Laney High School Principal Danny Little, obtained by local media, identified the student as Jacob Fernandez-Villa, a rising senior preparing for his final year of high school.
New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes also confirmed that Fernandez-Villa was enrolled at Laney High School.
Following news of the tragedy, school officials announced plans to provide emotional support for students and staff coping with the sudden loss.
Laney High School said grief counselors would be available Friday at Jordan Gym, which was scheduled to remain open from noon until 2 p.m. Those attending would have the opportunity to speak privately with counselors, spend time in quiet reflection or gather with classmates and faculty members.
School leaders also encouraged students and employees struggling with the loss to seek support rather than face their grief alone.
The crash scene remained active for several hours as investigators documented evidence and crews cleared the area. Authorities temporarily shut down nearby roads during the investigation, resulting in significant traffic delays that extended into both the morning and afternoon commutes.
Officials have not announced what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway, and the investigation remains ongoing. State troopers have not released additional details regarding possible contributing factors as they continue examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
