Three high school students from E.E. Smith High School died and another person was seriously hurt Wednesday night in a crash in Fayetteville.
According to the Fayetteville Police Department, the crash happened around 7:22 p.m. on Rosehill Road. Police said the car they were in, a 2024 Honda Civic, crashed into a telephone pole, continued down a sidewalk and collided with a tree.
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WRAL confirmed that Trevor Merrit, Nick Williams and Jai’Hyon Elliot were the three who died in the crash. Merrit and Elliot’s families provided photos.
Officers said a fourth person, Dymond Monroe, was airlifted to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill with serious injuries. Monroe was in critical condition as of Thursday afternoon. 
The three students killed in the crash played on the Smith football team.
Smith was scheduled to play South View High School during South View’s homecoming festivities Friday night, but the game was postponed out of respect for the families and students.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families, loved ones and the entire E.E. Smith Golden Bulls family as they grieve this heartbreaking loss,” Cumberland County Schools associate superintendent Lindsay Whitley wrote. “We appreciate the kindness, understanding and support of both school communities during this difficult time. A rescheduled date for the game will be shared once it is determined.”
Janiya Bishop, a good friend of Elliot, was struggling to process his death on Thursday. She said they had a “true, genuine bond.” 
“It makes me sick to my stomach because he was just here yesterday,” Bishop said. “He was just here yesterday and we had a whole conversation.”
After learning about last night’s tragedy, Bishop said she couldn’t bring herself to go to school Thursday.
“It’s never going to feel the same without him,” Bishop said.
Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil released a statement expressing his condolences. 
“These young men were more than students they were sons, friends, and a part of the fabric of there community. Their passing leaves an unfillable void, and their absence will be deeply felt by everyone who knew them. During this time of sorrow, may you find comfort in one another and in the shared memories of the joy, laughter, and light they brought into this world.”
A WRAL photojournalist at the scene said dozens of people were trying to get to the crash site.
Cumberland County Schools released a statement on the crash.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, loved ones and the entire E.E. Smith Golden Bulls community during this difficult time. The top priority of the E.E. Smith High School administration is to provide support to students, faculty and staff as they process this tragedy. The district’s Student Services team will be on-site today to offer counseling and emotional support.
Out of respect for the families of those impacted and the school community, many of whom are still receiving this news, we are not releasing additional details at this time. This morning, there are no interview opportunities with the school administration as their focus remains on supporting students and staff.”
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Officer C. Lewis at 910-818-1872. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers by calling 910-483-TIPS (8477). 

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