HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. — A tragic accident claimed the life of an 18-year-old girl early Tuesday morning after her car crashed into a pond in rural Harnett County. The crash went unreported for nearly 16 hours, leaving many in the community shaken and raising concerns about emergency response times in isolated areas.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 2:45 a.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Norrington Road and Avery Road, just west of Lillington. The driver, identified as Zoey Barr, was traveling alone when she veered off the road, drove through a cornfield, hit an embankment, and flipped her vehicle into a pond.
Authorities believe that speed was a major factor in the crash. Preliminary findings indicate Barr was driving at approximately 80 miles per hour, though the posted speed limit for that area was not immediately disclosed. Investigators say the speed was excessive for the rural road’s conditions and may have contributed to her losing control of the vehicle.
The vehicle remained submerged for much of the day, and the crash was not discovered until late Tuesday afternoon. Officials say the pond is in a secluded area, and the car may not have been visible from the road. It remains unclear who ultimately discovered the crash and called for help.
Troopers have not confirmed whether Barr was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, and they continue to investigate whether other factors—such as distraction, fatigue, or mechanical failure—may have played a role. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
The loss of Zoey Barr has devastated the tight-knit local community. Friends, family, and classmates are mourning the sudden and tragic death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her. No information about memorial services has been released at this time.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is urging drivers—especially teens and inexperienced motorists—to slow down and take extra precautions when driving on rural roads, particularly during late-night hours. As the investigation continues, officials hope that the lessons from this crash will serve as a powerful reminder of how quickly things can go wrong behind the wheel.
