West Rowan HS student killed after crashing into tree, troopers say

SALISBURY, N.C. — A high school student has died after crashing her car head-on into a tree Sunday night in Salisbury.

Troopers said the wreck happened around 8 p.m. along Highway 150, also known as Mooresville Road, in Rowan County.

Investigators said that Ella Ferguson, 17, drove off the road and into a tree not far from her home. She wasn't wearing a seatbelt and suffered a head injury, troopers told Channel 9.

The front right side of her SUV was pushed all the way back into the front seat. Troopers said she was pinned inside and rescue crews had to pull her out.

The Highway Patrol estimates Ferguson was driving about 55 mph, which is the speed limit, when she veered off the road and hit the tree.

Ferguson was a student at West Rowan High School.

The highway was shut down for about an hour while police investigated.

Investigators can't say yet why she drove off the road but said there are other circumstances that they're looking into -- including checking her cell phone -- and they may release more information once they speak with the girl’s family.

“If I ever needed somebody to talk to she would be at my house in less than 2 minutes,” said Samantha Hensley, who called Ferguson her best friend.

“It doesn't even feel real now, standing here,” Ali Arrington said. “It's just crazy how she had her whole life planned out and this happens. It's crazy.”

Troopers handed the investigation of the crash over to Rowan County deputies who have not said what, if anything they found in Ferguson’s cellphone.

Troopers did say that neither drugs nor alcohol were factors.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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