In Loving Memory of Trevor Merritt Forever in Our Hearts, Always a Golden Bull
The Fayetteville community is enveloped in grief following the devastating loss of Trevor Merritt, one of the three young lives tragically taken in a one-car crash early Monday morning on Rosehill Road. Trevor, a proud student and football player at E.E. Smith High School, was more than just an athlete — he was a son, a friend, a teammate, and a shining example of determination and kindness. His passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Authorities confirmed that the crash occurred when a vehicle driven by an Army soldier lost control, resulting in a violent collision that claimed the lives of Trevor and two of his fellow teammates. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the magnitude of the crash was overwhelming. The driver, who survived, was transported to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for treatment, as investigators continue to piece together the details surrounding the tragic event.
For E.E. Smith High School, this loss cuts deeply. Trevor Merritt was known not only for his athletic skill on the football field but for his leadership, infectious smile, and the positive energy he brought into every space he entered. Coaches and teammates describe him as a young man of integrity and perseverance — someone who gave his all, both in practice and in life. Whether on the field or in the classroom, Trevor’s dedication inspired those around him to strive for excellence.
Beyond athletics, Trevor was cherished for his warm spirit and humility. He treated everyone with respect, greeted others with kindness, and often encouraged his peers to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenge. His friends remember him as the kind of person who could make anyone laugh, the one who always checked in when someone was struggling, and who carried himself with quiet strength and compassion.
The Cumberland County Schools district has mobilized grief counselors and support teams to assist students and staff as they process this unimaginable tragedy. Classmates and teachers have begun leaving heartfelt tributes — photos, flowers, and messages — at the school’s football field, turning it into a sacred space of remembrance for Trevor and the other victims.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, the Fayetteville community has come together, holding candlelight vigils and prayer circles to honor the lives of those who passed. The outpouring of love is a testament to how deeply Trevor impacted others in his short but meaningful life. His memory will continue to live on through the stories shared by his teammates, the lessons he taught through his example, and the light he brought to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Though words can never fully capture the depth of sorrow felt by his family and friends, we remember Trevor Merritt for the joy he gave, the passion he lived with, and the legacy he leaves behind. His journey ended far too soon, but his spirit remains — a reminder of the beauty of youth, the importance of community, and the strength of love that endures even through loss.
Rest in peace, Trevor Merritt.
You will forever be a part of the Golden Bull family, and your light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who love you.
