Cary Academy Student Killed in Car Crash

Students gathered at Cary Academy Saturday to remember a classmate killed in a car crash Friday night.

Posted 9:08 p.m. May 12, 2007 — Updated 4:30 p.m. May 13, 2007

CARY, N.C. — Students gathered at Cary Academy Saturday to remember a classmate killed in a car crash Friday night.

Authorities said the accident occurred about 6 p.m. on Ligon Mill Road in Wake Forest, when Johnnetta Camile Overton, 17, ran off the road in her vehicle and overcorrected, swerving into the path of an oncoming truck.

Charlian Taylor was driving on the same road at the same time, and was the first to call 911.

"She slid into that utility truck, drivers side, and just slammed into him," Taylor said. "She was on the opposite side, the wrong side of the road and there was less than 10 feet between he and I."

The driver of the truck was taken to an area hospital but didn’t suffer any injuries, Wake Forest police said.

Overton's family was out of town for her older sister’s graduation when the accident occurred.

"The Cary Academy community is deeply saddened by the loss of Johnnetta, an outstanding student and an integral member of our school since sixth grade," said Head of School Don Berger.

Berger said Overton was a three-sport athlete, lettering in volleyball, cheerleading and track. She was also elected captain of the 2007-08 Step Team.

Police said preliminary reports show alcohol and speed were not factors in the crash. Overton's body was transported to the North Carolina State Medical Examiner’s Office, where an autopsy will be performed.

People who live in the area said accidents on that stretch of roadway are not uncommon. Several accidents have been reported in the area, including fact one just two hours after Friday's fatal crash.

“We've had numerous accidents on this highway,” said Roland Falana, who lives near the crash scene. “We live in fear of people driving into our home.”

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