NC teen killed in I-40 crash in Durham remembered as the ‘brightest star’

Jadyn Simpson was set to begin high school this year, having just finished the 8th grade at Clayton Middle School.

But her life was cut short after a fatal car accident on July 10 on Interstate 40 near Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard.

Simpson was a riding as a passenger in one of the three vehicles involved in the wreck and suffered life-threatening injuries.

Durham Police did not identify the Clayton teen as the victim in the fatal crash however, a GoFundMe was created on the day she died to help her family pay for funeral costs and medical bills.

“At just 14 years old, Jadyn was beginning to grasp who she was as a person, and it was incredible to watch it unfold,” read the fundraiser page. “Jadyn Rose was full of life, compassion and kindness. She was a beautiful child and she will be greatly missed by all of those who knew her.”

In just a week, the fundraiser garnered more than $30,000, far surpassing its goal of $15,000. A memorial service was held in Clayton on July 15.

The Durham Police Department has not released additional details about the car accident and hasn’t responded to The News & Observer’s requests for information.

‘An advocate for all’

Her obituary paints a picture of a young girl who was “the brightest star, kind, caring, beautiful, loving, smart, genuine, compassionate, wise beyond her year, and an advocate for all.

“She enjoyed singing, playing soccer, spending time with her family, music, crafts, being silly, playing big sister to all kids younger than her, while being the best big sister to her own siblings, socializing with friends, shopping, being sassy, and finding ways to make a difference in the world every day,” read her obituary.

Since her death, dozens of people have donated money or left messages remembering Jadyn, sending condolences and sharing photos of the 14-year-old through the digital obituary.

Her former school also honored the loss of one of their own Eagles.

Accident details

Simpson’s mother, Holly Zechman Latta, and Jadyn’s younger sister were injured in the July 10 car accident, according to the GoFundMe.

“This entire family is shattered by the unfathomable loss of a child, sister and best friend,” the page read.

Around 12:51 p.m. on July 10, officers responded to the I-40 crash that shut down the interstate for several hours.

Tanner Brace, of Fuquay-Varina, was driving a 2009 Honda Accord west on I-40 when he rear-ended a 2019 Honda Civic with Simpson as a passenger, according to a news release.

The collision caused the Civic to hit a tractor-trailer in the next lane before striking a concrete median barrier, the release stated.

Brace also was treated for minor injuries.

Durham Police charged Brace with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and failure to reduce speed.