May 24, 2012
Highway Patrol: Cell Phone Involved In High School Senior's Death
Beaufort Co. Crash Kills 18-Year-Old Woman
State troopers say a cell phone was involved in the crash that killed a high school student.
She died after her car and a log truck collided Wednesday afternoon in Beaufort County.
Troopers identified the victim as Sarah Edwards of Chocowinity, who was a senior at Southside High School.
Troopers say the accident happened Wednesday on Chandler Road, about a half mile off Highway 17 in Beaufort County.
According to the Highway Patrol, Edwards read a text less than a minute before the first 911 call was made about the accident.
Sergeant Kevin Respess tells WITN the information from the victim's phone was retrieved and shows she was reading and sending texts to two people during her drive from school to work.
Troopers say Edwards was driving a Honda Accord when she collided with a log truck. Troopers say Edwards drove left of center and hit the rear tires of a log truck's trailer. The two vehicles were headed in opposite directions.
Troopers say Edwards was wearing her seat belt. Troopers say witnesses told them Edwards appeared to be looking down when the crash happened.
The Highway Patrol says the driver of the log truck was not hurt and will not face any charges.
School officials say counselors were at Southside High School Thursday.
