Tribute honors Clayton musician who died in car crash
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Long before the doors opened at the Southland Ballroom in Downtown Raleigh, people were waiting outside in the cold Friday to get into the venue. Family and friends of Michael Clement came together for a tribute.
The 23-year-old Clement, of Clayton, was killed in a fiery car crash in Johnston County last Friday.
Troopers said he was heading around a curve in the road, lost control, and slammed into a tree. The car burst into flames. The Highway Patrol believes speed was a factor.
The accident happened after what would become Clement's final show.
He was a lead vocalists in the group Valleys. He sang for the band since he was 13.
"For me personally, it's hard. You spend a lot of time with somebody when you're in a band. You're on the road, you're at each other's house; you're living together. You get close and then it's like losing a brother, a family member," said bandmate Jayson Mitchell.
There will be a Celebration of Life event Saturday afternoon in Clayton.
