2 students killed, 1 hurt in crash near high school, authorities say

Two students were killed and another was seriously hurt in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in front of Burns High School in Cleveland County, troopers said. The victims were all related.

The wreck happened shortly after 3 p.m., which was about the time students were let out of class.

A Ford Focus was traveling east on East Stage Coach Trail in Lawndale, troopers said.

The driver of the Focus, 17-year-old Dequavious Hopper, didn’t yield the right of way and tried to make a left in front of a Ford F-450, troopers said. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.

Hopper and the backseat passenger in the Focus, 14-year-old Jaelyn Abraham, were killed in the wreck. The third teen, who was in the front passenger seat, was taken to Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby and is in critical condition, troopers said.

“I know this family and it just breaks my heart,” said Mandi Bigham, who lives next door to the teens’ family.

Bigham said she heard ambulances.

“We didn’t know what was going on, at first,” she said.

The family is amazing, Bigham said.

“They were the first people that we met when we moved out here and they’ve all been really good to us,” she said.

Bigham said the roads are very crowded when classes end for the day.

Wednesday’s dismissal ended tragically for everyone, including first responders.

“It never gets easy,” said Trooper Brian Theis. “It’s never easier. It’s always hard and it’s not something we like or enjoy responding to.”

The community has already rallied around the grieving family and the school.

“I already told them I’m here for whatever they need,” Bigham said. “I’m watching to see and find out what I can do for them.”

Cleveland County Schools officials posted on social media that they were deeply saddened and that there would be counselors at the high school.

“We are deeply saddened to share about the accident at Burns High School. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and all who loved them,” the Cleveland County Schools district posted on Facebook.

“This loss impacts our entire school community. Counselors will be available in the coming days for any students needing support.

“In these difficult times, let’s come together, support one another, and keep the families of these students in our thoughts and prayers. We are here for each other.”

The driver of the pickup truck, who was a teen, was not injured, troopers said.

No charges have been filed in this incident because the investigation showed the driver of the sedan turned into oncoming traffic.

No additional details have been made available.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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