Former N.C. State linebacker Edrick Smith, 29, was involved in a fatal car accident in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday morning. Smith was traveling in the back seat of a Honda Accord that was attempting to make a left turn. The front right corner of a Chevrolet Camaro struck the passenger side of the Honda at speeds of at least 80-100 mph, according to police reports.

In the car with Smith were Barry Tyrone Pace, 31, and driver Hakeem Ward Holloway, 30, who were all transported to Carolina’s Medical Center.  Smith was then pronounced dead at the hospital.

Hugo Fernando Rosillo, 30, the driver and sole passenger of the Camaro, fled the scene and was eventually tracked down with the help of a helicopter and K-9 unit. Rosillo is being charged with second-degree murder, felony hit and run and drunken driving.

In 1998, Smith’s freshman year, the linebacker started nine games, collecting a record 94 tackles.  At the start of his sophomore year, he became a candidate for the Butkus Award for top linebacker in the nation. 

That is where Smith’s promising career ended due to a series of injuries. In the season opener in 1999, Smith injured his knee. A shoulder injury sidelined Smith after he returned the following season.

After Smith rehabbed his injuries, then-coach Chuck Amato said he wasn’t sure Smith was ever the same after the injury. 

A viewing will be held at St. Matthew Baptist Church from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Friday. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. and internment will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh.