3 adults killed, 2-year-old survives after driver hits tree on NC Highway 86 in Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A 2-year-old girl is the sole survivor of a car collision that left three adults dead in Orange County.

According to the NC State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), just before 5 Tuesday afternoon the driver of a minivan traveling south on N.C. 86 crossed the centerline, veered off the road and struck a tree.

Investigators identified the driver of the minivan as 57-year-old Francina Whitted. The second victim is 31-year-old Ayesha Edwards of Mebane.

The third victim has not been identified yet. He was the only person in the vehicle not wearing a seatbelt. According to NCSHP, he must be identified through his fingerprint because of the extent of his injuries.

There is no word on the relationship between all the victims.

The little girl is recovering at Duke Hospital.

Flowers and a pink balloon tied to a tree were the painful reminders of the tragedy. Shattered glass and tire tracks remained at the scene Wednesday along the rural road.

Investigators said the wreck shut down both lanes of NC 86 near Coleman Loop Road for about two hours.

According to NCSHP, the weather was not a factor and the driver was not impaired. The collision remains under investigation.

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