PITT COUNTY, N.C. — A tragic head-on crash in Pitt County has claimed the lives of two people, including a 17-year-old high school senior, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The deadly collision happened Tuesday night around 8:30 p.m. on U.S. 13 near Staton Mill Road.

Troopers say Jorborius Whitehurst-Close, a senior at North Pitt High School, was driving northbound when his vehicle was struck head-on by another car. Investigators report that the second driver, identified as 44-year-old Eric Colley, was traveling south in the northbound lanes at the time of the crash. Both drivers were pronounced dead as a result of the collision.

Pitt County Schools officials confirmed that Whitehurst-Close was in his senior year at North Pitt High School. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the school community, where he was known not only as a student but also as a dedicated athlete.

Whitehurst-Close was a member of the school’s football team, playing as both a wide receiver and defensive back. Teammates, coaches, and classmates are mourning the loss of a young man described as hardworking and full of potential. For many at the school, the tragedy has left an overwhelming sense of sadness.

According to troopers, neither driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what may have led to Colley traveling in the wrong lane. The Highway Patrol says the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing.

As family members, friends, and the North Pitt High School community grieve, the loss serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change on the roadway. Counselors are expected to be available for students and staff as they cope with the devastating news and remember the life of a young man taken too soon.