Teen identified in deadly Shallotte crash

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Officials have released the name of the 13-year-old killed in a Brunswick County crash.

A spokeswoman with the town of Shallotte said Caleb Smith was one of three teens who was in a car that ended up in a pond on Bridges Road early yesterday morning. The other two, Devin and Justice Harris, survived the crash.

WWAY has learned Smith attended North Myrtle Beach Christian School. When we reached out for further information about Smith, Headmaster Benjamin Rhodes replied with this in an e-mail:

“He was certainly a fun student loved by all. Caleb was caring, compassionate, competitive, and loyal to those he knew. He will be deeply missed as a son, brother, student, friend, and brother in Christ.”

The school’s basketball coach G.T. Wagers said this was the first year Smith was on the team. He said this is a difficult time for all of them, but the team is getting through it together. Wagers said Smith was a ball full of energy.

“The kid is full of energy, wanted to learn how to get better,” Wagers said. “A smile that would light up any room, gym there was. If he didn’t know, he’d ask you a million questions. He was just one of those kinds of kids.”

Wagers said the team has decided they will play their game tomorrow night at Conway Christian School to honor Smith.

We have also learned Smith was the son of a pastor at a church in South Carolina. When we reached out to the church for further information on Smith and/or a comment, the head elder said they are supporting the family privately. The church did post a message on Facebook.

“It is with deep regret that we inform you of the untimely death of Caleb Smith, the son of Pastor Scott and Lisa… Arrangements and more information are forthcoming. Please pray for our pastor and family during this difficult time that our Lord and Savior will keep them in comfort and strength.”

There’s no word on what caused the wreck. The conditions of the brothers isn’t known, but a town spokeswoman said they are expecting an update this afternoon.

Earlier this morning, the Shallotte fire chief released a statement about the first responders’ efforts to help the teens out of the cold water.

“The deputy, our police officers, and our firefighter/EMTs, who selflessly entered the cold water in the early morning, did so as anyone with such responsibility and commitment to duty would do. They did what any member of our Police Department and Fire/Rescue Department would do and what they do daily. They performed in a manner as any member of the public or I would expect…with courage. Each of these men work together daily to do whatever it takes to ensure that we live in a safe community. Yesterday’s incident was just another testament to that. Please accept my apologies for refraining from further comment as, at this time, my heart and prayers are with the families of this yesterday’s tragedy.”