Mother of Mount Olive student injured in crash says road to recovery is long, but they remain optimistic

A crushed pelvis, a broken jaw and so many internal injuries have a North Carolina 18-year-old on the road to recovery.

James Johnson, who goes by his middle name, Noah, was one of four people in a vehicle crash in Mount Olive.

One person died.

Johnson's mother, Audra Boyd, said her son is alive and she's watching him closely at the hospital.

"It was what every parent doesn't want to happen," said Boyd.

Boyd said when she got the call early Friday morning that her son was among four University of Mount Olive students in a crash, she panicked.

"I wish this was a nightmare I could wake up from," said Boyd.

Boyd said her son is a determined man.

He's 18 and when he graduated high school his mom said he entered UMO as a Junior because he already had two associate's degrees.

She said he loves to farm.

"He was so excited about his journey he was going to be on which I hope, once everything is good, he will continue," said Boyd.

State Highway Patrol said drinking was a factor in the crash Friday, as was failure to wear seatbelts. Plural.

The driver, Dylan Stacy, is being charged with DWI and reckless driving. 21-year-old Peyton Lee was a passenger killed in the crash.

"What I'd like people to take from it is wear your seatbelt. Don't drink and drive. Especially young people," said Boyd. "If you are going to drink, call somebody to drive you."

As for Johnson, Boyd said doctors tell her it'll be a long recovery but they're optimistic he'll walk.

"I'd give anything to take this away from my son," said Boyd.

Johnson had to have his spleen removed and had serious internal bruising.