17-year-old charged in death of Mooresville student-athlete who fell off truck

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — A 17-year-old boy has been charged by criminal summons in the death of a teen who died after he fell off a pickup truck earlier this month, officials said.

Gavin Sharpe was at a community service event Aug. 3 in the Mooresville High School parking lot near the stadium.

Sharpe, 15, who was with his football team, hit his head after falling from the truck. He died of those injuries two days later.

The teen driver was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle.

Authorities did not release the teen's name because he is a minor.

The school's faculty and students have been devastated by Sharpe's death.

Community members described Sharpe as a kind, compassionate, loving, hardworking and committed teen.

Sharpe played football, wrestled and also threw shot put.

Friends said earlier this month that he was an aspiring minister who was always looking out for everyone.

Avery Lefevere was one of Sharpe's best friends. She said that even though he won't be walking the halls, friends will still feel his presence.

"I always felt safe when Gavin was around. Now I know everyone, especially in our town, feels safe because we have this angel right above us," Lefevere said. "In the hallway, walking with Gavin would take such a long time because he would see so many people, he would give them a handshake, give them a high five, just smile at them and make them have a better day."

[LINK: GoFundMe #GavinStrong]

There is a small memorial growing outside the football field. The spirit rock outside the school is painted with Sharpe's football jersey number, 63, on one side and reads "Gavin Strong" on the other.

Cox Media Group