Three student-athletes from E.E. Smith High School, Jai’Hyon Lamont Elliott, 18, Trevor Merritt,17, and Nicholas Williams, 17, tragically lost their lives in a single-vehicle crash on Rosehill Road in Fayetteville on the evening of October 8, 2025.
According to the Fayetteville Police Department, the group was traveling in a 2024 Honda Civic driven by 21-year-old Dymond N. Monroe when the vehicle ran off the road, struck a telephone pole, continued onto a sidewalk, and collided with a tree shortly before 7:30 p.m.
All three teens, Jai’Hyon, Trevor, and Nicholas, were pronounced dead at the scene, while Monroe survived and was airlifted to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill in critical condition.
Furthermore, the untimely death of the three North Carolina teens has left a profound void in the lives of their families, friends, and loved ones.
Jai’Hyon, Trevor, and Nicholas were exceptional athletes and members of the E.E. Smith Varsity men’s football team.
Jai’Hyon Elliott and Nicholas Williams were serving as defensive backs, and Trevor Merritt as a linebacker.
Many of their loved ones are paying tribute to the late student-athletes and extending their heartfelt condolences to their family during this difficult time.
In the wake of the tragedy, Cumberland County Schools provided on-site counseling for students, faculty, and staff, and postponed the school’s scheduled homecoming game against South View High School out of respect for the families and grieving community.
Community leaders, including Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin and Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil, expressed condolences, emphasizing the profound loss felt by the Golden Bulls family and the wider Fayetteville community.
Similarly, memorials quickly appeared at the crash site near Haymount Presbyterian Church, with friends and classmates remembering the students’ impact on their school and community.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact Officer C. Lewis at 910-818-1872 or submit anonymous tips through Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crimestoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477).
Jasmine Davis Honors Son Jai’Hyon Elliott in Heartfelt Social Media Tribute
The untimely death of Jai’Hyon Elliott has left his parents and family shattered.
While no information is available about his father, as he prefers to maintain a low profile, Jai’Hyon Elliott’s mother, Jasmine Davis, took to her Instagram stories to express her sadness and pay tribute to her son.
In a now-removed Instagram story, Jasmine Davis remembered Jai’Hyon as the best son one could imagine and expressed her pride in being his mother.
Furthermore, Jasmine Davis’ social media is filled with pictures of her late some Jai’Hyon Elliott.
On Jai’Hyon’s 18th birthday on December 2024, Jasmine shared a beautiful video featuring several pictures of her son with a heartfelt caption that reads:
“SCREAMING HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY my SONNNN Jai’hyon ! @21problemes 18 years ago I learned the true meaning of LOVE ! So proud of the young man you are and the person you are destined to be ! Keep shining bright and accomplishing everything you desire ! My Sonshine forever 🎉🎉🎉🎉.”
Jasmine Davis
Jasmine’s social media profiles indicate that she is a proud alumna of Fayetteville Technical Community College. She earned her High School Diploma in Healthcare Management Technology from Seventy-First High School in 2009.
While in high school, Jasmine was an active member of the Bowling team and the art club.
Likewise, Jasmine is a certified eyebrow artist and previously served as a customer service representative at Skyes Enterprises, Inc. She also volunteers at the Extreme Home Makeover Partnership For Children, Dr. Childers’ office, Dr. Ferdette’s Oral Surgery, and the Church.
In addition to his mother, Jasmine Davis, Jai’Hyon Elliott is survived by his two younger siblings, Amiris and Messiah, as well as his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and the entire family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Late Jai’Hyon Elliott wore jersey number 21 and stood at a towering height of 5’11”.
- His family has yet to provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
