3 E.E. Smith High School Football Players Killed in Crash — Police Say Sisters Destini Genwright and Dymond Monroe Were Racing to Brother’s Birthday Party

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Three high school football players from E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, were killed in a devastating car crash earlier this month that police say was caused by two sisters allegedly racing at high speeds on their way to their younger brother’s 18th birthday party.

Authorities say Dymond Monroe, 21, and her sister Destini Genwright, 19, were driving separate cars when Monroe’s vehicle veered off the road and struck a telephone pole on October 8. The impact killed all three passengers — Jai-Hyon Elliot, 18, Nicholas Williams, 17, and Trevor Merritt, 17 — who were Monroe’s teammates on the E.E. Smith High School football team.

A Community in Mourning

The loss has left the Fayetteville school community heartbroken. In a moving social media post, the E.E. Smith Golden Bulls football team wrote,

“We will not grieve without hope, even in the darkness the light shines. We will forever celebrate and honor the lives of our three amazing young men and are grateful for the experiences and memories we enjoyed with them.”

At the team’s first game after the tragedy on October 17, players carried the jerseys of their fallen teammates to midfield for the ceremonial coin toss. Helmet stickers, towels, and shirts bearing the players’ numbers and inspirational messages honored their memory, while parents and fans stood together in solidarity.

Photos of Dymond Monroe, courtesy of her mother

Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy expressed his condolences, saying,

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three young men from E.E. Smith High School. They were students, teammates, and friends whose presence left a lasting impact. We stand with their families, loved ones, classmates, and school community as they grieve this devastating loss.”

The Crash and Investigation

According to the Fayetteville Police Department, the fatal crash occurred just before 7:30 p.m. when Monroe, driving a Honda Civic, was taking the three football players home from practice. Investigators allege Monroe began racing her sister, who was driving another car on the same road.

Court documents indicate Monroe was traveling around 76 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone when she lost control, left the roadway, and hit a telephone pole. The impact was so severe that the car was nearly split apart.

Police allege both sisters were heading to their younger brother’s birthday party when the crash occurred.

Charges Filed Against Both Sisters

Both sisters face multiple charges in connection with the deadly wreck.

• Dymond Monroe, 21, has been charged with three counts of felony involuntary manslaughter, along with misdemeanors for racing, reckless driving, speeding, and an insurance violation. She remains hospitalized in critical condition due to injuries from the crash.

• Destini Genwright, 19, faces four misdemeanor counts for racing, reckless driving, speeding, and an insurance violation. She turned herself in on October 21 and was released on a $10,000 bond, police said.

“This remains an active investigation,” the Fayetteville Police Department stated, noting that its Traffic Unit continues to analyze evidence and may file additional charges as more information becomes available.

“One of the Most Tragic Cases”

Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West called the incident one of the most heartbreaking cases he has encountered in his career.

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years, and this is certainly one of the most tragic and sad cases I’ve seen,” West said. “Any time young people in our community lose their lives, that makes it more tragic. Even though there is sympathy, there also has to be accountability.”