CHARLOTTE — Two South Mecklenburg High School students were killed in a wreck Friday morning off Tyvola Road near Pineville Road, the school principal stated in a message to parents.
The crash happened shortly before 7 a.m.
“Seniors Kaia Hodge and Jada Cousins were involved in a fatal car accident Friday morning,” Principal Marc Angerer said. “We are heartbroken by this loss and grieve with Kaia and Jada’s family and friends.”
MEDIC said they died at the scene.
A third person was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
“It spreads, so students know about the accident and the two senior girls dying,” said Karen Rivera, a junior.
Friday was a depressing day on the campus, she said.
“I feel like it impacts every student differently especially the ones who are friends with the student,” Rivera said.
It’s an incident that makes some parents nervous about their children.
“Honestly, it makes me fearful for my kids driving,” parent Tracy Strickland said. “I didn’t know these two students but it’s frightening, to be honest.”
Some parents see the danger of driving firsthand.
“I’m actually a truck driver by trade so I’m on the road,” parent Marquis Days said. “I see accidents every day.”
Days didn’t know the two victims, but he is in the process of teaching his daughters how to drive.
“That’s a very scary feeling teaching our kids how to drive,” Days said. “You don’t even feel safe letting them go out, but you want them to grow up, have their responsibility and their freedom.”
The principal empathized with the South Meck community.
“This type of sudden loss is difficult to process, and oftentimes we experience physical, mental, and emotional reactions,” Angerer said. “Please take the time you need to process your feelings and remember to care for and support each other during this difficult time.”
Grief counselors are available.
The road was closed for several hours after the crash.
It is unclear what led up to it.
This is a developing story; check wsoctv.com for updates.
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