Local

Family and friends remember bus crash victims

STATESVILLE, N.C. — Family and friends are mourning the loss of six people who were on the Front Street Baptist Church bus that crashed in Tennessee. They were coming back to Statesville.

The victims are Brenda Smith, 69, Randolph and Barbara Morrison, both 66, Marsha McLelland, 62, John Wright, 73, and Cloyce Matheny, 95.

Matheny recently went skydiving in his 90s.

"He was very spunky," Linda Taylor said. "He didn't let his health or anything get him down."

Friends say Cloyce was deeply involved with the church and had recently lost his wife.

"Now his family is without both parents," Taylor said. "It's a sad way for him to go."

Brenda Jolly, who lives on Brady Lane, was hurt in the crash. Her sister is waiting for her to come home.

"I'm grateful," Barbara Bustle said. "We've done a lot of praying around here."

Just down the street is the home of the McLellands. Marsha McLelland did not survive.

"I remember saying to them have a good time, be careful, not knowing I would never see her again, and I hope Ed's going to be all right," neighbor Jackie Capps said.