Three students from E.E. Smith High School died last week when the car they were riding in ran off the road on Rosehill Road, Fayetteville police said. The fourth passenger, the driver, was airlifted in critical condition.
Police have identified one of the victims as Jai’hyon Lamont Elliot, 18, and the driver as Dymond N. Monroe, 21. The other two students, both 17, were identified by Cumberland County Schools as Trevor Merritt and Nicholas Williams.
Around 7:22 p.m. on Oct. 8, officers responded to the 2700 block of Rosehill Road after a single-vehicle crash, police said. The car veered off the road, struck a telephone pole, and then hit a tree.
Three passengers died at the scene, the statement said. Monroe was airlifted to UNC Medical Center in critical condition. Police are investigating the cause.
Cumberland County Schools released a statement Oct. 9 confirming all three victims attended E.E. Smith High School and were members of the school’s football team.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three E.E. Smith High School students … our thoughts and prayers are with their families,” the district said. “The top priority of the E.E. Smith High School administration is to provide support to students, faculty and staff as they process this tragedy. The district’s Student Services team will be on-site today to offer counseling and emotional support.”
In a message the same day, Superintendent Eric Bracy expressed condolences and spoke to the “lasting impact” the students have left behind.
“From the four corners of Cumberland County and beyond, we join together to wrap our arms around the E.E. Smith community,” he said. “We stand with their families, loved ones, classmates, teammates and school family as they grieve this devastating loss.”
Because the students were part of the football program, the school district announced that South View High School’s homecoming game, originally scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10 and in which E.E. Smith was set to play, is postponed. A new date will be announced later.
Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, an alumnus of E.E. Smith, offered his condolences and encouragement for the families, students, and staff affected by the crash.
“Our community’s heart is broken. These young men were part of the Golden Bulls family and of Fayetteville’s future, and their loss is felt across our city. We are keeping the injured individual in our prayers and ask our community to join us in lifting up all who are hurting,” Colvin said in a statement.
The county school board also issued a statement following news of the wreck.
“The Cumberland County Board of Education extends its deepest condolences following the loss of three E.E. Smith High School seniors—young men whose energy, potential and friendships made a lasting mark on their school and community. Our hearts ache for their families and school community who are walking through this unimaginable time.”
The Fayetteville Police Department’s Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation into the crash. Police said more information will be released after next-of-kin notifications. Anyone with tips is asked to contact Officer C. Lewis at 910‑818‑1872.
CityView will continue to follow updates from the school district, police, and community as more information becomes available.
CityView Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 5 p.m. on Oct. 9 to include the correct identification of the driver of the vehicle after Fayetteville Police released additional information.