Gaston Co. teen racing more than 100 mph before deadly crash, police say

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Gaston County teen killed in a crash after a basketball game on Jan. 14 was racing at the time of the wreck, police said.

[Ashbrook HS classmate killed in Gaston Co. wreck]

Thomas Smith IV, 17, was killed when the Ford Mustang he was driving left the road and crashed into a tree off of Robinwood Road, near Laurel Lane in Gastonia.

A crash report said he was going 105 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Police said Smith was racing his friend when they passed a police car. The other driver noticed the police car and slowed down.

Smith lost control and slammed into a tree on the driver's side at 75 mph, according to investigators.

There are still balloons and flowers at the tree Smith hit, and still a lot of grief among classmates over his death.

"People have T-shirts for him and a lot of people are still mourning," classmate Brandon Ward said.

Ward said Smith wasn't the kind of person you would expect to hear was speeding.

"You got to be careful when you are driving,” Ward said. “I feel terrible about it."

Smith's parents asked police not to charge the other driver, who is a close friend. A security camera captured some video but not enough to charge the other driver.

Police said he will have to live knowing one bad decision may have led to a friend's death.

"There is nothing we can do to the other driver to bring back Mr. Smith,” Gastonia Police Sgt. Keith McCabe said. “That's something this other gentlemen is going to have to live with the rest of his life."

Smith’s passenger is still in the hospital.

Cox Media Group