A Pinecrest High School student was killed in a motorcycle accident when it struck a pickup truck on U.S. 401, near Raeford.
Dennis Dequan “Quan” Purcell, 17, was fatally injured Tuesday Evening. His older sister was severely injured and is hospitalized in critical condition.
Purcell played as a reserve wide receiver and on special teams for the Pinecrest Football team. According to Pinecrest Football Coach Chris Metzger, he was always thinking of others first.
Purcell was scheduled to graduate this Saturday morning. According to social media posts, the school was planning on observing a moment of silence after testing concluded Wednesday. There will also be a special recognition during graduation.
In a Tweet Wednesday morning, Pinecrest High School Principal Stefanie Phillips shared her sorrow of the passing of Purcell.
Coach Metzger added that “Patriot Nation lost an amazing person, brother, teammate, encourager, and family member last night. We will miss you, Dennis. Thanks for all the memories.”
Moore County Schools had counselors available at both Pinecrest High School and Southern Middle School, which Purcell attended prior to high school.
A viewing is scheduled Sunday at Pinecrest Auditorium at 1 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m.
~Feature photo courtesy of Twitter.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Local News/Government Reporter Chris Prentice.
Contact him at [email protected] or (910) 639-9303.
