GREENSBORO, N.C. — A man and a 12-year-old girl were killed in a devastating crash Sunday afternoon in Polk County after their truck ran off the road, struck a tree, and caught fire, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Truck Runs Off NC 108 and Catches Fire
Troopers say the crash happened around 12:55 p.m. on NC 108 near Farm Lane. A Ford F-150 traveling east reportedly ran off the left side of the roadway, collided with a tree, and became engulfed in flames.
Investigators said both the driver and the passenger were trapped inside the vehicle and died as a result of the crash and subsequent fire.
On Wednesday, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol identified the victims as 53-year-old Brian Kenneth Miller and 12-year-old Ellis Larue Miller.
Officials confirmed that Ellis was a student at Polk County Middle School.
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School Community Mourns Loss of Student
Polk County Schools Superintendent Todd Murphy released a statement expressing condolences and confirming that counseling and support services are being made available to students and staff.
“The loss of a young life is a tragedy that affects us all,” Murphy said, adding that grief counselors will be on campus to support those impacted by the loss.
School officials asked the community to keep the family in their thoughts and respect their privacy during this difficult time.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
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