In a devastating accident that has shaken the community of Cleveland County, North Carolina, two promising young lives were tragically cut short on September 18, 2024. Seventeen-year-old Dequavious Hopper and 14-year-old Jaelyn Abraham, both students at Burns High School, were killed in a car crash that occurred just outside their school on East Stage Coach Trail in Lawndale. The accident has left the Burns Bulldog community in deep mourning, with friends, family, and peers struggling to comprehend the loss of two athletic, vibrant students who had so much life ahead of them.
The incident took place around 4 p.m. as the students were leaving Burns High School in the same vehicle. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, their car was struck by a pickup truck, resulting in the death of both Hopper and Abraham. Another student, identified only as Zae, was critically injured and airlifted to a nearby Cleveland hospital, where he remains under intensive care. The news of this horrific crash has reverberated throughout the community, prompting an outpouring of grief, support, and prayers from those who knew the students and even those who did not.
A Community in Mourning: The Lives of Dequavious Hopper and Jaelyn Abraham
Dequavious Hopper, 17, was known to many as an athletic and charismatic student at Burns High School. He was the son of Missy Morris and Dennis Hopper, both residents of Shelby, North Carolina. Described as a natural leader and a dedicated student, Dequavious was involved in several school activities, excelling particularly in athletics. His friends and family remember him as a young man with an infectious smile, a big heart, and a relentless determination to succeed. Whether on the field or in the classroom, Hopper made a lasting impact on those around him, and his loss has left a deep void in the Burns High School community.
Jaelyn Abraham, only 14 years old, was also an active and beloved student at the high school. A standout on the basketball team, Jaelyn had already earned a reputation as a talented athlete with a bright future ahead of him. Known for his kind demeanor and passion for sports, he was someone who inspired both his teammates and peers with his work ethic and dedication. His death has sent shockwaves through the Burns Bulldog community, particularly among the student athletes who looked up to him.
Both Hopper and Abraham were at the heart of Burns High School’s culture of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Their contributions to the school’s athletic programs and their presence within the school hallways have left an indelible mark. As the Burns Bulldogs now grapple with the painful reality of their absence, the memory of these two students continues to inspire conversations about their remarkable lives and the potential they held.
The Accident: A Moment That Changed Everything
On that fateful afternoon, Dequavious Hopper, Jaelyn Abraham, and another student, Zae, were leaving school together, likely discussing the day’s events and making plans for the future. However, in an instant, their lives took a tragic turn. As they drove down East Stage Coach Trail, a pickup truck collided with their vehicle. The details of how the crash occurred are still under investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, but the impact was severe enough to cause the deaths of Hopper and Abraham on the scene.
Law enforcement officials arrived swiftly, and emergency responders worked quickly to provide assistance. Zae, the third student involved in the crash, was airlifted to a Cleveland County hospital due to the critical nature of his injuries. The community now waits anxiously for updates on his condition, with many hoping and praying for his full recovery. At this time, his family has requested privacy as they navigate this incredibly difficult situation.
While the specifics of the accident are still under investigation, it is clear that the collision has left a permanent scar on the Cleveland County community. Traffic accidents of this magnitude are tragically all too common, but when they claim the lives of such young and promising individuals, the impact is felt even more deeply. Questions about the cause of the crash, whether any factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or road conditions were involved, remain unanswered as the investigation continues.
The Burns Bulldog Community Responds
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking tragedy, Burns High School and the Cleveland County community have come together to grieve, offer support, and remember the lives of the students who were lost. The outpouring of love and solidarity has been overwhelming, with classmates, teachers, and community leaders expressing their sadness and extending their thoughts and prayers to the families of Hopper and Abraham.
Cleveland County Schools quickly released a statement acknowledging the gravity of the loss and offering support to the grieving community. “We are deeply saddened to share about the accident at Burns High School. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and all who loved them. This loss impacts our entire school community,” the statement read. In a show of compassion, the school district has arranged for additional counselors to be on hand in the coming days to provide emotional support for students and staff who are struggling with the tragic loss of their classmates.
Counselors have been made available not only to Burns High School students but also to those from surrounding middle and high schools in Cleveland County, as the emotional toll of this event extends beyond just one school. Grief counseling sessions, group discussions, and remembrance activities have been organized to help students process their emotions and begin the healing process. Many students are finding comfort in each other, sharing memories of Hopper and Abraham, and paying tribute to the friends they have lost.
Donnie Thurman Jr., a local figure and a strong supporter of Burns High School, urged the community to come together in prayer. “Everyone please pray for the Burns Bulldog community,” Thurman wrote in a heartfelt message. “My heart is broken for them as they have lost great students. #BulldogStrong.” His words resonated with many who are looking for ways to show support during this incredibly difficult time. Throughout Cleveland County, banners, social media posts, and gatherings have become outlets for mourning, with the hashtag #BulldogStrong trending in solidarity with the school and the grieving families.
The emotional impact of the accident is perhaps most evident on the athletic fields where Hopper and Abraham once thrived. Coaches and teammates have expressed their grief and disbelief, struggling to reconcile the loss of two students who were such integral parts of the school’s sports programs. Burns High School, a place that had been preparing for upcoming games and events, now stands as a symbol of unity, where students and staff alike are rallying to support each other in their collective mourning.
Remembering Dequavious and Jaelyn
In the days following the accident, memorials have sprung up across the community. Students have placed flowers, letters, and photos at makeshift memorials outside Burns High School, creating spaces for reflection and remembrance. These tributes serve as a testament to the profound impact that Dequavious Hopper and Jaelyn Abraham had on the people around them, both on and off the field.
For Dequavious’s family, the pain of losing their son has been unimaginable. His mother, Missy Morris, and father, Dennis Hopper, have been surrounded by an outpouring of love from the community. Friends and family members have described Dequavious as someone who always knew how to lift others up, a young man whose future was bright with potential. As the family begins to make funeral arrangements, they have asked for privacy to grieve in peace, but they have also expressed their deep gratitude for the support they have received.
Jaelyn Abraham’s family is similarly devastated by the loss of their son. The 14-year-old had only just begun his journey in high school, with a promising basketball career ahead of him. His family remembers him as a kind, thoughtful, and determined young man who loved his family, friends, and teammates dearly. Like Hopper’s family, they too have asked for privacy as they navigate the difficult road ahead.
While the grieving families have yet to release the full details of funeral services, it is expected that the Cleveland County community will turn out in force to honor and celebrate the lives of these two students. Plans for vigils and memorial services have been discussed, with many anticipating that the entire Burns Bulldog community will come together to remember Dequavious and Jaelyn.
Moving Forward: Healing as a Community
As Cleveland County moves forward in the wake of this tragedy, the road to healing will be long and difficult. The loss of two vibrant young lives has left an indelible mark on Burns High School, and for many students, this will be a moment they carry with them for the rest of their lives. The school has pledged to continue providing resources for grief counseling and support as long as it is needed, understanding that the process of coming to terms with such a profound loss cannot be rushed.
For Zae, the third student who was injured in the crash, the community continues to hold out hope for a full recovery. His condition remains critical, but stable, and his family has expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support they have received. As they wait for more updates on his health, the community remains united in their prayers for Zae’s healing.
This accident, like so many tragedies, serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community. In the face of overwhelming grief, Cleveland County has shown remarkable strength, unity, and compassion. The memories of Dequavious Hopper and Jaelyn Abraham will live on in the hearts of their friends, families, and the Burns Bulldog community for years to come. While their time was cut far too short, their legacy of kindness, athleticism, and friendship will never be forgotten.
