Community comes together to support teen whose family was killed in I-485 wreck

BELMONT, N.C. — It wasn’t a typical night at Sammy’s Neighborhood Pub in Belmont on Tuesday.

“This gives the community an opportunity to come together and sort of mourn,” owner John Bailey said.

Half of the restaurant’s proceeds from a fundraiser will go to 14-year-old Jacob Obester.

His father, mother and two little sisters were killed two weeks ago in a crash on Interstate 485 between Oakland and Beatties Ford roads. Jacob was not with the family when the crash happened.

[‘She was family': Mom killed in I-485 crash leaves behind legacy of helping others]

“When I heard, I lost sleep over it,” said Jennifer Moore, a teacher. “I just can’t imagine how Jacob feels. That has to be devastating for him.”

Creative Solutions donated tents, tables and chairs so that Sammy’s could serve more people outdoors.

The city shut down the street, and supporters, who didn't know the family, showed up.

“We just feel like, as Christians and as a community, we need to come together and help each other and show support,” supporter Karen Smith said.

Troopers said Dakeia Charles was speeding when he hit a box truck that lost control hitting two vehicles head-on.

Man accused of causing I-485 crash that killed 5 arrested faces judge Man accused of causing I-485 crash that killed 5 arrested faces judge

A passenger of the other vehicle was also killed.

Charles faces several charges, which include speeding, DWI and five counts of second-degree murder. Charles’ charges were upgraded to murder because of all the factors that led to the crash.

Cox Media Group