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Published: 2008-07-28 11:30:00
Updated: 2008-07-28 18:47:28

Fayetteville teen killed, another injured after car crashes into house


Vannie Parker
Vannie Parker
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Speed was a factor in a car crash into a house Monday morning that killed a Pine Forest High School student and injured another, authorities said.

Vannie James Parker, 18, died at the scene, the North Carolina Highway Patrol said. Sir John Charles Hampton, 17, was injured and taken from the scene via medical helicopter to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where he was in fair condition Monday evening.

The crash happened at approximately 10:13 a.m. on Cottage Way near the intersection of Farmers Road and Ramsey Street.

Hampton was driving around a curve on Farmers Road when he ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected his car and swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle, Trooper Sean Johnson, at the scene said. Hampton then clipped a tree and then a small embankment before crashing into the house.

Further details about the crash were not immediately available.

Friends following in a vehicle behind Hampton were able to get him out of the car.

Authorities say the two students were leaving band camp at the school to go to a Lowe's home improvement store to buy spray paint for their drums

No one was home at the time of the crash, authorities said. The house, which was being remodeled, has been condemned until engineers can determine whether it is structurally sound.

The school directed all questions about the crash to the Highway Patrol but said Parker and Hampton were both seniors and were on the drum line in the marching band.

Monday was the first day of band camp before school starts in August, and friends and students from Pine Forest rushed to the crash scene upon hearing the news.

"I'm just lost for words, I don't know what to say," said Scott Farmer, a friend of the two victims. "My parents tell me all the time, don't speed and stuff. You don't really think about it until one of your friends is gone."


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This was a mistake that could have be avoided. But things happen and I hope the boy is in a better place.

Vannie was a good kid. I knew him and his father and feel terrible for him. Life can end so quickly.

Not to be a downer, but I've been involved in high school music for 20+ years and many band kids in the state will never hear about this and many that will would think it is sad then they will forget about it.

mpheels= I agree with you both of my children were in Broughton's marching band at the time of that incident in Plymouth and it did have an impact on the band members when that happen and during band competitions statewide there was an outpouring of sympathy and money for the band to replace instruments that were damaged as well as there was not a dry eye in the place that night when they did the tribute. I know how tight the band kids are.

Well,I certainly would hope so! PikeMom4real

Thanks for not going against my comment.

Most of all listen to your parents, they cannot be wrong all the times. They may be trying to save your life.

Well,I certainly would hope so!

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