Fatal crash on Old Graham Road is second in last year

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A young woman died Friday after she struck a tree on Old Graham Road, N.C. State Highway Patrol confirmed. The death is the third in two such crashes along the road in the last year.

State Highway Patrol said the woman died on impact from blunt force trauma to the head after her car swerved off the road into a tree. No passengers or other vehicles were harmed in the crash. NCSHP has not yet released the report on the crash, and the name of the woman is unknown at this time, but officials said the victim’s family was notified.

It is suspected that the driver was traveling upwards of 70 miles per hour when she hit the tree based on tire marks left near the scene of the incident, according to SHP. The speed limit along Old Graham Road is 45 mph.

Bryan Vilchis, a senior at Northwood High School, also died during the crash on Old Graham Road in Oct. 2021. A week later, a passenger in the car, Desmond Patterson, also died after being hospitalized.

A roadside memorial for 18-year-old Northwood student Bryan Vilchis, who died in a car crash in Pittsboro on Old Graham Road Saturday on Oct. 23. One week and a day after the crash, 16-year-old Desmond "Junior" Patterson also died. 'This is an extremely painful time for our Northwood staff and students,' said Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson. 'We grieve with Desmond’s and Bryan’s families and mourn their loss.' (Picked by Hannah McClellan)
A roadside memorial for 18-year-old Northwood student Bryan Vilchis, who died in a car crash in Pittsboro on Old Graham Road Saturday on Oct. 23. One …

This is a developing story and will be updated as details emerge.

NC State Highway Patrol, Old Graham Rd., Northwood, Bryan Vilchis