The accident happened around 9 p.m. Sunday near the intersection of Old Pearce Road and Highway 96.
North Carolina Highway Patrol investigators said the teen's 2011 Dodge Challenger was travelling at an excessive speed when it ran off the road, flipped, and then hit the tree.
The teens inside the car - 16-year-old Austin Flowers, who was driving, 16-year-old Lane Meyer and 17-year-old Matthew Speight - were coming from Rolesville Baptist Church when the accident happened.
The only survivor, Meyer's cousin, 16-year-old Brenden Pearce, was airlifted to WakeMed. He is currently listed in serious condition.
Speight's father David spoke with ABC11 Monday morning. He said his son had a bright future ahead of him.
"[He was] really looking forward to going to Wake Tech. And he told me the other day they have a baseball team, and he was gonna possibly try out, be a walk on. I told him we'll get the bats and balls out son, and go throw some. He was looking forward to that, too, on down the road there," said David Speight.
"The Lord called home an angel, and we have to move on," Speight continued.
Matthew was close to celebrating his 18th birthday on Friday.
All four teens attended Wake Forest-Rolesville High School. Authorities say alcohol was not involved with the crash, and all four teens were wearing their seatbelts.
Witnesses said they could tell the speed of the crash from the sound.
"Sounded like somebody going very, very fast. Honestly, I thought it was somebody about to crash into our house. And then we heard a lot of metal sound," said Cheryl Brelsford, who lives nearby.
On Monday, a crowd of mourners filled the school's football stadium where Meyer, a popular soccer player, was baptized two weeks ago. On that same day Speight, a senior, professed his faith."Matt, we'd always play volleyball together and I'd say you're the man. And he'd always say no, you're the man. So I remember that, the laughter. And I remember they believed in God, trusted in God and have a rich Christian faith, " Rolesville Baptist Church Pastor Randy Bridges said.
On Monday night, Rolesville Mayor Frank Eagles and the town board passed proclamation declaring a week of mourning in the wake of the crash, asking all residents and business to observe.
"Even though their addresses may not be Rolesville, they're Rolesville. These kids went to Rolesville Elementary School and I knew all of them since the day they were born. It hits hard on you when you've got three of them like that. It's a great shock," said Mayor Eagles.
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