Three Clayton High School grads killed in Raleigh wreck

Raleigh, N.C. — Three recent graduates of Clayton High School died Saturday night when the SUV they were in slammed into a tree off Rock Quarry Road in Raleigh, according to the state Highway Patrol.

State troopers said Devin Mosteller, 21, of Clayton, was driving a Saturn Vue near the Battle Bridge Road intersection around 8 p.m. when he overcorrected, ran off the road to the right and hit a tree.

He and both passengers – Christopher Pretty, 18, of Clayton, and Adonis Banks, 19, of Middlesex – were pronounced dead at the scene. Banks played on the basketball team at Clayton.

Witnesses said the force of the impact caused the vehicle to wrap around the tree, warping its metal into a horseshoe shape.

"It was one of those wrecks that you only see on television," witness Michael Turnage said. "It didn't even look like anyone could possibly be inside of it the way it was smashed up."

Denny Medlin, a teacher and basketball coach at Clayton High School, said the community lost "family" Saturday night.

"I know all three of those kids," Medlin said. "In our pre-game meals, (Adonis) would say the blessing. We always talk about what happens next. If we make a turnover, what happens next? If we lose a game, what happens next? In this situation, we've got to figure out what to do next."

David Carpenter said that he spoke with Mosteller at a birthday party hours before the crash.

"I looked him right in the eye before he got in the car," Carpenter said.

Troopers have not said what caused the crash, but they did say speed was a factor.

No other vehicles were involved.

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Latest Comments

Devin was a close friend of mine and I rode with him a lot. He scared me with his speeding and I tried to warn him. He always wanted to have fun but that's not how to do it. Prayers and condolences to all families involved.

darkphoenix1109
August 6, 2012 7:37 p.m.

reckless driving? Be glad some innocent family wasn't between their SUV and that tree.

Nargile
July 31, 2012 2:39 p.m.

Please stop blaming these boys. They were good kids

Dear, no one is blaming these boys. Of course you have to look at the driver and wonder why he was speeding and not following the rules of the roads and highways. Pray.

charmcclainlovesdogs2
July 30, 2012 3:55 p.m.

could've been a deer or someone else swerved into their lane. Maybe they were speeding, but how many of you have gone your whole life without ever speeding?

Lets not make any excuses for it not really helping is it. Of course if you belive in the Lord, it could actually have been their time. I do my very best in following the rules of the road. I lost my sister 43 years ago where alonge with her 3 young men were killed. She pulled out in front of a tractor trailer. My condolences to family and many friends in your loss. Continue to hold on to God's unchanging hands and He will see you through this difficut time. Keep their memories for they are very precious. All of you are in my prayers. You pray too, for He will hear you.

charmcclainlovesdogs2
July 30, 2012 3:52 p.m.

Please stop blaming these boys. They were good kids and no one knows why they ran off the road. It could've been a deer or someone else swerved into their lane. Maybe they were speeding, but how many of you have gone your whole life without ever speeding? Please show some respect. This is a horrible tragedy and there are people hurting. There are people crying. Instead of blaming these kids we need to be offering our support to EVERYONE in Clayton, espeically their family and friends.

screamforrain164
July 30, 2012 3:29 p.m.