Speeding a factor in Cardinal Gibbons student's fatal crash, investigation still ongoing

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The high school athlete who died in a car crash Tuesday was speeding more than twice the speed limit when the crash happened, according to NC State Highway Patrol.

Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App

Madeline Shook, 16, died Tuesday morning when her 2011 Volkswagen Jetta ran off the road and crashed into trees.

Highway Patrol said there were no skid marks on the road where the crash happened.

Investigators said Shook was driving 95 mph on Possum Track Road, which has a speed limit that varies between 35 and 45 mph.

In a 911 call, a dispatcher asked the caller if they could tell "what kind of vehicles are involved?"

"Oh no, no, no," replied the caller. "There is one silver car that is totally, totally unrecognizable. It's knocked down a big tree. She's run off the road here."

Based on the 911 call - records show it took the fire department less than 90 seconds to arrive on the scene.

Troopers said they didn't know why Shook was speeding or why she was in the area.

They did not find any signs that Shook was under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the crash. They also did not find any signs of foul play

What was even odder was the fact that Shook did not live or go to school near the crash site.

The crash happened before school, but it took place on a dead-end road more than 20 miles from her school.

Shook was a star runner on the cross-country team at Cardinal Gibbons High School. Her friends had nothing but positive things to say about their experiences with her.

On Thursday, at the scene of the crash, there was still scattered debris, and a Cardinal Gibbons cross-country T-shirt bearing the words "Rest in Peace Madeline."