16-Year-Old Dies After Being Ejected from Truck in Crash

The high school student was not wearing a seatbelt when the vehicle ran off the road and hit a tree.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A 16-year-old high school student in North Carolina died after being thrown from a pickup truck that ran off the road, hit a ditch, flipped, and then struck a tree. The teen, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and did not survive the crash.

Why it matters

The tragic incident has deeply impacted the local community, with the high school and school district expressing condolences and making counseling resources available to grieving students and staff. The crash highlights the importance of seatbelt use, especially for young drivers, and the need for continued road safety education.

The details

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred just after 7 p.m. near Boiling Springs when the 16-year-old driver of a Ford Ranger pickup truck ran off the right side of the road, hit a ditch, flipped, and then struck a tree. The teen, who was a student at Crest High School, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries were reported.

  • The crash occurred just after 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Crest High School

The high school attended by the 16-year-old victim, which expressed condolences and made counseling resources available to grieving students and staff.

Cleveland County Schools

The school district that joined in mourning the loss of the student and expressed support for the community.

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What they’re saying

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and loved them. This loss is felt across our entire school community, and we know many are grieving in different ways.”

— Crest High School (Facebook)

“Our hearts are with the family, friends, classmates, and staff members who are grieving. As a district, we stand together during this incredibly difficult time. Please keep this student and their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

— Cleveland County Schools (Statement)

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of seatbelt use, especially for young drivers, and the need for continued road safety education to prevent such devastating losses in the future. The outpouring of support from the school community highlights the profound impact this loss has had on all those who knew and cared for the student.