NC Wesleyan remembers four freshmen killed in crash

Officers responded to the scene, in the 3400 block of North Wesleyan Boulevard, at about 8:30 p.m.

Donesha Scott, 19, of Raleigh, Robyne St. Claire Barnes, 20, of Conway, Kandis McBride-Jones, 20, of Littleton, and Quedeshia Brown, 20, of Henderson, were killed in the crash.

Police said all four women, all first-year students at N.C. Wesleyan, were in the same vehicle. The driver of the second car, whose name hasn't been released, was taken to UNC Nash Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

"The entire Wesleyan family is mourning the loss of four of our own. These young ladies had enormously bright futures that were cut far too short," N.C. Wesleyan President Dewey Clark said in a statement. "We extend our deepest prayers and condolences to the families in this time of heartbreaking loss."

Student Government President Emanuel Williams said he knew the four women personally, and always saw them together.

“They were always smiling, even if they didn’t know you,” Williams said.

School officials said the four students were moments from their dorm when the crash happened.

“I believe they were returning to campus from having dinner,” Williams said.

J. Wayne Sears, a spokesman for N.C. Wesleyan, released a statement on Tuesday morning that directed further questions to the Rocky Mount Police Department until the preliminary investigation has concluded.

"This evening a terrible and unthinkable tragedy struck the North Carolina Wesleyan Family," the statement said.

"We have activated our crisis plan, and our crisis team is present on campus," the statement said. "Right now, our total efforts are focused on the NC Wesleyan community and the families of those affected."

The college canceled classes Tuesday, opened the chapel and made counselors available to help students and staff cope with the deaths.

North Wesleyan Boulevard reopened before dawn Tuesday, authorities said.