PITTSBORO — Two Chatham County Schools students were involved in a car accident on Old Graham Road on Saturday night. One of the Northwood High School students died in the accident and the second is in the hospital in critical condition.
Bryan Vilchis, an 18-year-old junior at Northwood who played football his first two years at the school, died in the accident. The injured student has been identified as 16-year-old sophomore Desmond Patterson.
“My heart aches for these families,” Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson said. “We mourn with the Northwood community the loss of a vibrant young life.”
School social workers and counselors are available at Northwood, offering support to staff and students.
Northwood Principal Bradford Walston said the news was devastating.
“These young men are part of our school family,” Walston said. “Our hearts are with their families during this incredibly difficult time. We want to support them and support our students through this.”
The school is planning to honor Vilchis with a balloon release at Friday’s football game.
There is a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover funeral and other costs that Bryan’s family currently face.
You can donate here.