A fatal early morning crash near the city limits of Clinton has left one teenager dead and another seriously injured, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
Authorities identified the deceased as Carson A. Faircloth, 17, of 2057 Pine Ridge Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene following the single-vehicle collision. The driver, 18-year-old Aiden Reams of 336 Zoar Church Road in Salemburg, sustained serious injuries and was transported to WakeMed for treatment.
The crash occurred around 9:18 a.m. Sunday on Airport Road near the intersection of Summertree Court. According to a preliminary report from troopers, Reams was operating a 2005 Toyota SUV at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle.
Investigators say the SUV ran off the roadway before the driver overcorrected, causing it to strike a ditch and then a tree. The vehicle ultimately came to rest near the point of impact. Officials confirmed that both occupants were restrained at the time of the crash.
Speed has been cited as a contributing factor in the incident, though the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the wreck.
The loss of a young life and the serious injury of another has deeply affected the local community, as friends and family members begin to process the tragedy.
Law enforcement continues to review evidence from the scene and has not released further details at this time.
