Three E.E. Smith High School football teammates were killed in a crash in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and police say illegal street racing between two sisters played a central role in the deadly wreck.
Investigators allege the women were speeding to their younger brother’s 18th birthday celebration when the crash happened.
The collision occurred on October 8, 2025, along Rosehill Road, according to reports citing Fayetteville police.
Authorities identified the victims as Jai-Hyon Elliott, 18, Nicholas Williams, 17, and Trevor Merritt, 17—all connected to E.E. Smith High School’s football program.
Police allege 21-year-old Dymond Monroe was driving a Honda Civic with the three teens inside when she lost control during the alleged race.
Investigators say the car was traveling at about 76 mph in a 45 mph zone before it left the roadway and struck a telephone pole, then went down an embankment and hit a tree.
Authorities further allege Monroe was racing her 19-year-old sister, Destini Rhinada Genwright, who was reported to be driving a Dodge Charger.
Police say the alleged racing behavior and speed contributed to the crash, which killed all three teen passengers.
Monroe survived but was reported to be hospitalized in critical condition in the days after the crash.
She has been charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter, along with additional misdemeanor allegations tied to driving conduct, including racing-related charges, according to reports citing investigators.
Genwright later turned herself in and faces misdemeanor charges connected to the alleged street racing, according to reporting that cited police and court updates.
In the aftermath, the Fayetteville community and the school community mourned the loss of the three teens, with tributes highlighting their close bond as teammates and friends.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have continued to ask anyone with information—especially witnesses who may have seen the vehicles before the crash—to contact investigators.
