William James Turner died of his injuries at the scene.
STOKES COUNTY, N.C. — UPDATE: William James Turner’s celebration of life has been scheduled for Friday, April 18 at 2pm at Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel in Sandy Ridge.
A 17-year-old was killed Saturday in a vehicle crash in Stokes County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Troopers said they responded to a collision on NC 8 near Sawmill Road at approximately 6:09 p.m. on Saturday evening. An investigation revealed that a 2002 Ford Taurus was traveling north on NC 8 when it “drove off the right side of the road, overcorrected, crossed left of center leaving the roadway to the left.”
The car traveled through a yard and crossed a driveway before striking two trees, according to State Highway Patrol. The driver, 17-year-old William James Turner of Madison, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Highway Patrol said speed contributed to the crash.
North Stokes High confirmed that Turner was a senior at the school. Officials say he was traveling to the school’s Prom when the accident occurred.
According to Turner’s grandmother, Bonnie Roberts, earlier on Saturday, the 17-year-old found one of those rocks people paint and hide for people to find with the words “I’m ready” written on its surface. Roberts said she thinks the rock was a sign of what was to come.
“As our school community grieves this profound loss, we want to express our deepest condolences to Will’s family and friends,” Stokes County Schools Superintendent Brad Rice said in a statement.
“In response to this tragedy, additional grief counselors have been made available to support our students and staff during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community, and we remain committed to coming together to comfort and uplift one another as we navigate this painful moment of grief.”
In a Facebook message sent to WFMY News 2, Turner’s grandmother, Bonnie Roberts, said the following about her grandson’s passing:
“God has a purpose for everything, even if we don’t understand.”