Candlelight vigil honors three E.E. Smith players killed in crash: 'An emptiness'
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- For many students at EE Smith High School, the past six months have been incredibly difficult. The school community has been coping with the loss of three beloved students and friends: Nicholas Williams, Trevor Merritt, and Jai'hyon Elliott.
Tonight, friends, family, and classmates came together to honor their memories and ensure their legacies live on.
"There's an emptiness at EE Smith," said Angelo Hart-Moreno, a close friend. "School just doesn't feel the same happiness as it did before."
Exactly six months ago, Nicholas, Trevor, and Jai'hyon were killed in a high-speed crash on Rosehill Road after football practice. Friends and family remember lives that were full of promise.
"I love y'all forever," one friend shared. "This has taught us to hold our friends close. Anything can happen, so just cherish your time and love on everyone."
Even today, the star football players continue to draw crowds, including their coach, who reflected on the challenge of grieving such a loss.
"Grief is one of those things nobody knows how to handle," said Coach Joey Jones. "There's no textbook for it."
Authorities say the players were riding in a friend's car that was racing, reaching speeds of 92 mph on a road known to be dangerous. The crash left a stark reminder for young drivers that it only takes one mistake.
"We tell people to drive safe," Coach Jones said. "We want to focus on teenagers, early drivers, maybe even some defensive driving courses... It's about keeping them safe."
The community continues to honor the dreams of Nicholas, Trevor, and Jai'hyon, striving to live life the way their friends would have wanted.
"I'm just doing everything I can for them," a friend said. "I've got to live my life the way they would have wanted it."
The driver of the car was critically injured in the crash. After being released from the hospital, she was arrested and later released on bond.
