'She was my best friend': Family mourns Harnett Central High School teacher killed in car crash

A teacher at Harnett Central High School (HCHS) died unexpectedly in a car crash on Thursday.

The State Highway Patrol said Wendy Vance, who taught English courses at HCHS in Angier, was killed in a crash around 6:15 a.m.

On Friday WRAL News spoke with Scott Vance and Emily Vance, Wendy’s husband and daughter, who said Wendy was a woman who made an impact in the community and the school system.

“She’s taught thousands of students and mentored many teachers out there as far as when they were getting started,” Scott said.

In addition to more than a decade of teaching, Wendy coached cross country and track and field at Overhills High School. Her daughter cherished the memories she had of running cross country for her mom alongside her brother.

“She was an amazing coach and taught my brother and I,” Emily said. “They taught us dedication and to be resilient. We’ve taken that into our adult lives as well.”

According to a trooper, Vance was traveling north on Tingen Road when she attempted to pass a box truck in a no-passing zone. Her car hit another car head-on and spun out.

The box truck she tried to pass then rear-ended her, officials said.

“I think she ended up in that particular situation making that wrong move – being a little impatient,” Scott Vance said. “She was a go-getter. Unfortunately, it was just a tragic mistake that happened when she tried to pass that vehicle.”

Vance died from her injuries.

“She was my best friend,” Emily Vance said. “It’s one thing to lose a parent, but to lose your best friend too? [It] hits a little harder. We talked almost every day.”

Harnett County Schools released a statement about the passing of Vance:

"Harnett County Schools is deeply saddened to hear about the death of Wendy Vance, an English teacher at Harnett Central High School. Our thoughts are with her family, teachers, friends, and students during this difficult time. Counselors and additional support services are available at the school to speak with any student or faculty member affected by this news."

Vance's profile on the HCHS website said she had been with the Harnett County School System for 15 years and previously worked in Cumberland County as a teacher.

Emily described her mom as the kind of person students could open up to and was a “listening ear.”

“Even if they didn’t have it at home, she was a friend to them as well,” she said.

“[She] made [a] great impact all over the county,” Scott said. “It’s great to see she made such an impact in the community and the school system.”