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HICKORY, NC – Classmates are mourning a Hickory teen killed in a car crash Sunday night. The driver of the SUV the two were in has been charged in connection with his death.
“Jake was really tough. And he was funny. And he was very alive and fun,” says classmate Anna Meade. Meade and others gathered Monday around a cross marking the spot where 17-year-old Jake Robertson died Sunday night.
Police say the Hickory High senior was killed when the Subaru Forester he was riding in struck a curb and flipped several times. The SUV landed in a field off 6th Ave. NW.
The driver, 17-year-old David Englemann, faces several charges including felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, and possession of an open container. Englemann, who also attends Hickory High, is out of jail on $10,000 unsecured bond.
Classmate Maryyanna Shuford says Jake wanted to attend NC State next year. “Jake, he was really a great person. And just this whole week, being in homeroom with him, we always had the best times,” Shuford says.
Hickory High will have 18 grief counselors on hand when students return Tuesday. They’ll remain through the week, as they’re needed.
Monday afternoon, students gathered for a special service at First Presbyterian in Hickory.
Friends say this is just the beginning of the healing process. “I think we all just need to be together right now, because none of us really want to be by ourselves. Because… we need each other,” Meade says.
“He will be truly missed and know that he’ll be in all of our hearts forever,” Shuford says.
Hickory Police say along with alcohol, speed also played a role in the crash. We’re told both of the teens were not wearing seatbelts.
