Girl, 3, killed in Creedmoor wreck

State troopers did not identify the victims of the wreck on Brassfield Road, near Lawrence Road, east of Creedmoor around 7:15 a.m.

However, family friends and Granville District Attorney Sam Currin said that the wreck killed Kamryn Gardner, the daughter of Assistant District Attorney Tasha Clay-Gardner.

Her husband was also hospitalized after the wreck, Currin said. An update on his condition wasn't available.

Troopers said that a father and his young daughter were in a westbound car that was struck by a deer along Brassfield Road. The man lost control of the vehicle, which ran off the road and overturned into a swampy area.

Passersby told WRAL News that they rushed to help the victims, but the girl was trapped in her car seat.

"I can't imagine, as a parent and as a grandparent, losing a child," Granville attorney John Pike said Friday.

Pike has known Clay-Gardner for about five years and said they would often share stories about their families.

"She has a clock that her husband and baby gave her for Christmas. It has a beautiful child embedded in the clock. That's all I could think about is that beautiful child and the grief she must be feeling," Pike said.

Authorities said October through December are the most dangerous months for deer and drivers. During that time, deer mate and are  typically are on the move. 

Experts say drivers should watch out for wooded areas and drive slowly. If one deer is around, there are also probably more in the area.