RAMSEUR, N.C. — A roadside memorial is now a sobering reminder of a deadly crash on Kildee Church Road in Ramseur last Thursday.
Two teenage boys died. Two teenage girls were seriously injured - one of them is still in the hospital.
All four of them went to Eastern Randolph High School.
School staff said all four students were involved in different groups - from dance to Boy Scouts, and volleyball to basketball.
17-year-old Tyler Franklin
Franklin was laid to rest on Wednesday. Troopers said he was driving the car when it crashed and later died at the hospital. Franklin's loved ones said he loved spending time with his friends, riding dirtbikes, fishing, and creating art, according to his obituary.
15-year-old Mario Lara
Lara was a passenger in the car. He died at the scene. His mother shared a statement with WFMY News 2 saying, "To know Mario was to love Mario! He was the kind of kid that would help a friend before he helped himself! HE was a very smart kid and a talented athlete. I had a very special bond with him bc he was 7 years older then his siblings. He picked on them so much! All love though! I sure am gonna miss yelling ‘ y’all stop ‘ through the house. Today he would have been helping me get them ready to go to school. This is going to be a definite struggle everyday but I would like to thank every one from the bottom of our hearts for everything. Even if it’s just a prayer. Nothing is too small! This happen so suddenly and the outpouring of love. This community and the friends and family of mine and my husbands also Mario friends! I would be happy knowing that one kid uses this and thinks about his consequences before he takes action. If the loss of my son will save even just one other child it would make me happy to know. Mario wouldn’t want us to be sad he was a very happy child and he was being a teen. I love him and no matter what his memory will live on forever and ever."
Lara's funeral is set for Thursday.
16-year-old Sarah Edwards
Edwards is still fighting for her life in the hospital as of Wednesday. Her mother works at a Greensboro restaurant where the staff there has been coming together to support her daughter.
Edwards is on the NC Challengers softball team. Her coach, Mike Babula said, "Sarah is an impact player. She always finds a way to make great things happen. She's a huge part of this team and dearly loved by everyone involved with this team. She's a fierce competitor and always gives 100% but more importantly she is an amazing young woman! She is kind, caring, and compassionate and leads by example. On behalf of her family, I would like to thank everyone for support."
16-year-old Macie Maness
Maness went home from the hospital on Tuesday. Her stepmom said she is still recovering physically and mentally at home. Maness had extensive injuries along her spine as well as broken ribs. She underwent surgery where doctors placed a metal bar in her back.
The crash
Highway Patrol said Franklin was going west on Kildee Church Road when he ran off the road to the right, overcorrected, and ended up hitting a tree. The vehicle then caught fire. Troopers said all the teens were wearing seatbelts, and they believe speed played a factor.