Friends remember Wilmington teen who died in single-vehicle car crash
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Friends and classmates are remembering 17-year-old Wilmington teen Jacob Fernandez-Villa, who died Thursday morning in a car crash in New Hanover County.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly before 2 a.m. when Fernandez-Villa’s vehicle left the roadway, entered a ditch, and struck several trees.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were initially alerted by an automatic 911 call from Fernandez-Villa’s cellphone. Authorities searched the area but were unable to find the vehicle at first. A second search, assisted by Fernandez-Villa’s mother after she tracked his phone location, led deputies to the crash site in a wooded area.
The crash closed roads in the area for several hours as investigators worked the scene, causing delays for drivers throughout the morning.
By Thursday evening, flowers lined the shoulder of Porters Neck Road as friends gathered to remember Fernandez-Villa.
Ella Gammel and Chiara Rigger, both rising seniors at Laney High School, said they came to honor someone they considered a close friend. The three classmates spent time together often and shared a love of surfing.
“We met him at school. We hang out with him a lot, and he’s one of our close friends,” Gammel said.
The two said they were shocked when they learned about Fernandez-Villa’s death Thursday morning.
“I don’t think this is real,” Gammel said. “When we got the call this morning, it just doesn’t feel real. We see him every week.”
Rigger said the loss is difficult to process.
“You never think it’s going to happen to someone you know,” she said.
Friends described Fernandez-Villa as someone who brought energy and laughter wherever he went.
“He was the best. He was so fun, so funny,” Gammel said. “He was such a nice person.”
The friends left flowers at the crash site and said Fernandez-Villa’s memory will stay with them.
“Every time we hang out, we’ll be thinking of him,” Gammel said.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
Laney High School will offer grief support Friday, July 31, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Jordan Gym for students and staff affected by the loss.
