ORANGE COUNTY, N.C. — Two Southeast Alamance High School students died in a crash in Orange County on Thursday night, Alamance-Burlington School System said.
Family members confirmed that 16-year-old Brandyn Theus was one of the students who died. Theus' family said he loved his family and spending time at his Nana's house. They said he was sweet, loved to joke around, and made people laugh. The family said the other student who died was a close friend of Theus.
NC Highway Patrol said the crash happened on Oak Grove Church Road near Chipmunk Lane around 9:25 p.m.
Troopers said there was only one car involved in the crash. The Subaru was going south when it traveled off the road to the right, over-corrected, and then went off the road to the left and hit a tree. Troopers said the car caught on fire after the crash and two people inside died.
Troopers haven't named the victims at this time and said they're waiting on a report from the state medical examiner's office.
Investigators don't know what caused the driver to lose control. The crash is still under investigation.
ABSS shared this statement in response to the crash:
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the tragic death of two of our students from Southeast Alamance High School who were involved in a car accident last night in Orange County.
We send our love and support to their families, friends, and our staff as they process this heartbreaking news. Extra support staff are on hand in our schools to assist students and staff today and this week as needed.
Our entire school community mourns this devastating loss.
Southeast Alamance High shared the following Facebook message to friends and family:
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the tragic death of two Southeast Alamance HS students. Our hearts are with their families during this difficult time and we will continue keeping them in our thoughts in the days ahead. Thank you to the many people who have reached out to our school community with messages of support. In times like this, we must unite to give one another strength. We also want to thank our student support team for all they have done and continue to do to be there for our students and staff when we need it most. Stay Stallion Strong!
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