21-Year-Old Dies One Day Before Birthday in North Carolina Crash

Zachary Stieber
By Zachary Stieber
December 18, 2018US News
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21-Year-Old Dies One Day Before Birthday in North Carolina Crash
File image of police tape. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

A 21-year-old North Carolina man died just one day before his 22nd birthday in a car crash in Charlotte.

Darian Goolsby crashed on I-485 between South Boulevard and I-77.

The single-vehicle crash happened after his 2013 Hyundai hydroplaned and struck the concrete median wall separating lanes on the highway.

He exited his car after the accident and that’s when another car hit his vehicle, which then slammed into Goolsby and killed him.

“Any time I ride by a fatal accident, I will say a silent prayer to myself,” Aileen Wall, Darian’s mother, told WBTV. “We are all in temporary bodies on this earth and have to leave at some point. That is how I am coping with this right now.”

A graduate of Northwest Cabarrus, Goolsby was studying to be a sports analyst at Methodist University.

Family members noted that a driver stopped to try to help Goolsby before he died.

“It was so impactful that we know he was not alone. That there was someone there with him,” said Shannon Roberts, Goolsby’s godmother.

Birthday Party

Friends gathered on Dec. 16, the day after the crash, to celebrate Goolsby’s birthday.

“It was really touching to watch those kids do that and celebrate his birthday,” said Roberts. “I have not accepted it yet. I loved him as if he was my own son.”

A balloon release is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Dec. 21 to honor him.

No Charges

North Carolina State Highway Patrol said that the driver who drove into Goolsby’s vehicle was not hurt.

The driver will not face any charges, troopers told WSOC.

The crash took place around 5 a.m. and the roadway was closed until just before 9:30 a.m.

There was heavy rain in the Charlotte area on Saturday.

Today was supposed to be your birthday… instead it’s rest easy.. R.I.P Goolsby, you’re already missed fam????✊????

Kaden Martindale 发布于 2018年12月16日周日

Condolences

People flooded Goolsby’s Facebook page with condolences.

“You been a good grandson you will be miss[ed],” said Margaret Rollison.

“Happy Birthday to my cuz May you RIP FAMILY WILL MISS YOU!” said Frances Steven.

“This weekend was very hard for me as I lost a brother but gained an Angel in Darian Montel Goolsby. I know you will be watching over me as well as all of your family, friends, and people who loved you because it was impossible not to do so,” added Justin Whitner.

“This news is one our family couldn’t take. They say that God takes the good ones sooner, and I agree. Your definitely the definition of a ‘Good One,'” said Cierra Wiles. “Though we were 7 years apart you always brought great fun, joy and energy to a room. I love you little cousin and don’t know how to mourn this loss but will continue to praise God in this situation because He Knows Best!”

Fatal Car Crashes

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, analyzing data from the Department of Transportation, there were 37,461 deaths from car accidents in 2016, the last year full data is available for.

The deaths occurred across 34,439 fatal motor vehicle accidents. The number means 11.6 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.16 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, although those numbers can vary widely across states.

In North Carolina, there were 1,450 deaths from car crashes, equaling 14.3 deaths per 100,000 population and 1.26 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

The majority of fatal accidents are single-vehicle crashes, the institute noted.

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