Burns High School Accident: Two athletic students at Cleveland County High School passed away in a bad accident outside Burns High School in Hospital Lawndale, North Carolina on Wednesday afternoon, September 18, 2024.
According to law enforcement agencies, 17-year-old Dequavious Hopper was an athletic student at Burns High School. He was the adorable son of Missy Morris and Dennis Hopper, both of Shelby, NC. The second student 14-year-old Jaelyn Abraham died at the scene. Abraham was on the basketball team.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the deadly crash happened on Sept. 18 outside of Burns High School on East Stage Coach Trail in Lawndale. Law enforcement agencies were called to the scene around 4 p.m.
Police said the students were leaving the school in the same car when a pickup truck struck the vehicle. A third student identified only as Zae was air-lifted to a Cleveland Hospital. Zae is a teenager and an athletic student at the school.
Victims
Cleveland County Schools released the following statement: 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. 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.
Donnie Thurman Jr urged the community to pray for the high school community. “Everyone please pray for the Burns Bulldog community. My heart is broken for them as they have lost great students. #BulldogStrong ”
Cleveland County Schools released a statement following the incident: “The accident is currently being investigated and handled through the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. From a school standpoint, we will have additional counselors at our middle and high school tomorrow to provide an extra layer of love and support for our students.”