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Classmates Remember Asheville Teens Killed in Wreck

Updated: Monday, January 7 2013, 04:17 PM EST

Memorials stand at T.C. Roberson High School to honor three teens killed in Tuesday's head-on crash on Brevard Road near the Ledbetter Road intersection.  Classmates made banners in memory of 17-year-old Shawn Hutchison and 14-year-old Matt Strickland.  Former T.C. Roberson student, David Hutchison, 18, also died.  Troopers said David was behind the wheel when the crash happened.

T.C. Roberson High Principal Amy Rhoney says grief counselors will remain on standby for students and faculty as long as needed.

Troopers said the boys' car hydroplaned, slid into the opposite lane, and slammed into a tanker truck.  A witness told officials the 18-wheeler then dragged the car about 100 feet into an embankment. 

All three teens were killed on impact. The driver of the truck, 53-year-old Anthony Carland of Mills River, was taken to Mission Hospital with minor injuries.  He is not expected to be charged in the crash.

Trooper Gene Williams told News 13's Mario Boone David's speed was a factor in the crash, however alcohol is not suspected.

Eblen Charities has set up a fund to cover funeral expenses of all three teens. Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at the Eblen Charities website, or by sending a check made out to Eblen Charities with "Strickland/Hutchison" in the memo line to:

Eblen Charities
50 Westgate Parkway,
Asheville, NC 28806.

Checks can also be dropped off at the T.C. Roberson High School main office.

By: Mario Boone, mlboone@wlos.com

Follow on Twitter: @marioboone

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