North Carolina high school mourning the deaths of three football players

Three football players from E.E. Smith High School died and another person was seriously injured Wednesday night in a crash in Fayetteville, North Carolina, according to the local police department.

The names of the three student-athletes were not released, but he associate superintendent of Cumberland County Schools confirmed to WRAL that they were each members of the school’s football program. According to the Fayetteville PD, the crash happened around 7:22 p.m. on Thursday, and the car was found crashed into a telephone pole.

Cumberland County Schools released the following statement on Thursday:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, loved ones and the entire E.E. Smith Golden Bulls community during this difficult time. The top priority of the E.E. Smith High School administration is to provide support to students, faculty and staff as they process this tragedy. The district’s Student Services team will be on-site today to offer counseling and emotional support.

Out of respect for the families of those impacted and the school community, many of whom are still receiving this news, we are not releasing additional details at this time. This morning, there are no interview opportunities with the school administration as their focus remains on supporting students and staff.”

Program’s next football game postponed

It was also announced that the program’s road game against South View was being postponed out of respect for the E.E. Smith program as they deal with the losses of those three players. It is currently expected that the game will be rescheduled for another date.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families, loved ones and the entire E.E. Smith Golden Bulls family as they grieve this heartbreaking loss,” Lindsay Whitley, the associate superintendent for the school district wrote. “We appreciate the kindness, understanding and support of both school communities during this difficult time. A rescheduled date for the game will be shared once it is determined.”

Police said a fourth person was airlifted to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill with serious injuries.