A fatal wrong-way crash on a divided highway Wednesday night has claimed the life of 44-year-old Eric Colley, leaving two families and an entire school community grieving.
According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. on U.S. 13 near Staton Mill Road. Troopers say Colley was driving south in the northbound lanes when his vehicle collided head-on with a northbound car.
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The second victim was identified as 17-year-old Jorborius Whitehurst-Close, a senior at North Pitt High School. Officials with Pitt County Schools confirmed the student’s identity to local media. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators stated that neither Colley nor the teenage driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The Highway Patrol continues to investigate what led to the wrong-way travel and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
While much of the public response has centered on the loss felt at North Pitt High School, authorities emphasized that the incident claimed two lives. Little has been released about Eric Colley as the investigation remains active, and officials have not yet shared details about his background or family.
In the wake of the tragedy, Pitt County Schools deployed a crisis response team of counselors, social workers, and school-based mental health professionals to support students and staff at North Pitt. District leaders described the school atmosphere as heavy and heartbroken, noting that students are struggling to process yet another loss.
The counseling team will remain available in the coming days as the community continues to mourn. Meanwhile, troopers are urging drivers to remain vigilant on divided highways and reminding the public that the investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.
Funeral arrangements for Eric Colley have not been announced.