2 SWHS graduates die in car crash
By Nick Hiltunen
Published in News on July 21, 2008 11:53 AM
Two 18-year-old recent Southern Wayne High School graduates had alcohol in their systems when they died in a Saturday night automobile crash, authorities said.
Andrew Britt, of Manley Grove Church Road, and Franklin Carlisle Purvis II, of Dobbersville Road, died after colliding with a Progress Energy bucket truck about 10:40 p.m., Highway Patrol First Sergeant Jerry Burton said.
Andrew Britt and Carlisle Purvis
Britt was driving a 1999 Mercury Sable northbound on Grantham School Road when the incident occured. "He ran off the road to the right, overcorrected, crossed the center line and struck (the bucket truck) head on," Burton said.
The truck was being driven by Edward Lancaster, 37, of Falling Creek Church Road.
"After the initial impact, Mr. Britt's car spun around and came to rest in the northbound lane. Mr. Lancaster's vehicle ran off the road to the right and came to rest in a ditch," Burton said.
Britt was wearing a seat belt, Burton said. Purvis was not.
The truck driver was headed to an assignment in another county at the time, Burton said.
Burton said it was not known where the 18-year-olds were headed. Burton said the medical examiner told him both young men had consumed alcohol prior to the accident. Burton said he is not sure about blood alcohol levels and that those answers will require further tests.
"That (alcohol involvement) will be investigated by the A.L.E. (N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement division)," the sergeant said.
Funeral services for Britt will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive. Services for Purvis will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Eureka Christian Church.