Johnston County Teen Dies In Crash, 'Best Friend' Charged

On the night of October 31, a teenager from Johnston County died from the personal injuries he sustained after the pickup truck he was riding in with his best friend crashed. The accident occurred at approximately 9 p.m.

According to his relatives, 17-year-old Steven “Drew” Smith was riding with 17-year-old Dennis Dewitt to a turkey shoot organized by a local church.

According to authorities, Dewitt was eastbound on Zacks Mill Road when he veered off the road and over-corrected, causing the truck to roll about four times.

Troopers say Smith died at the scene. Dewitt was transported to WakeMed in Raleigh, treated, and released.

Troopers say that speed was a factor. Dewitt was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and exceeding a safe speed, according to police.

Smith’s death adds to an already long list of teenagers in Johnston County involved in fatal crashes. In 2007, eleven teenagers died in addition to several more in 2008.