A community in Holly Springs is grappling with the aftermath of a deadly collision that occurred over the weekend, leaving a high school student dead and another teen facing grave charges. Holly Springs High School has mobilized additional support to help students cope with the loss of one of their classmates, a 14-year-old boy, who was struck and killed while riding his bike early yesterday morning. In a statement obtained by WRAL News, the school district confirmed that extra emotional and mental support services would be provided this week.
The tragedy unfolded on Avent Ferry Road near Holly Meadow Drive, around 1:40 a.m, involving two vehicles and the bicyclist. Charged in connection to the crash is 16-year-old Ashton Henry Rahlfs who was driving a 2021 Honda Passport according to CBS17, Rahlfs is facing multiple charges including DWI and driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21. Officers administered a breath test at the scene, finding his blood alcohol content at 0.11.
The Holly Springs police have not disclosed which of the vehicles involved in the accident first collided with the bicyclist, who has since been identified as Max Dunham, a 9th-grade student at Holly Springs High School, in a report by ABC11. Tragedy is no stranger to the Dunham family, as Max's father recounts losing his wife to cancer only months prior to his son's untimely death.
Ahead of students returning to school today, a letter from the school's principal, circulated among the families, highlighted the availability of grief resources to help students navigate through their responses to the tragedy. "The school said they will continue to have staff available at the school to assist students trying to cope with his death," ABC11 reported. 19-year-old Brandon Russell, the driver of a 2008 Honda Civic, was also severely injured in the crash and is in critical condition, with details provided by his mother to WRAL News.
Ashton Henry Rahlfs was released to a family member under a written promise to appear in court this November, according to CBS17, and the Holly Springs community reckons with the heavy-hearted sobering reminder of the perils of underage drinking and driving.
