Update: May 8 at 2:00 p.m.
According to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, a candlelight vigil will be held in memory of Hass at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the Engineering Building 2 breezeway.
One NC State student is dead after a single-vehicle wreck Sunday morning. Two others involved in the crash are being treated for injuries. The accident took place near the intersection of Penny Road and Deerview Drive near Holly Springs.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol identified the deceased as Cheyanne Hass, a senior who had been studying electrical engineering. Hass was due to graduate Saturday.
James Thomas and Mason Lanier were also in the car. Thomas, a senior studying renewable electric energy, was driving at the time of the accident and is currently in critical condition at Wakemed Hospital.
In remembrance of Hass, and to express thoughts and prayers for Thomas and Lanier, approximately 40 students attended a candlelight vigil at the Belltower on Sunday evening.
Student Body President Jackie Gonzalez released a statement on Sunday evening, expressing sympathy to those affected by the event.
“I send my sincerest sympathies to the families of those involved and to those who are deeply impacted by this tragic event,” Gonzalez said. “The loss of a member of the Pack is always sorely felt.”
State Trooper and primary investigator in the accident, Joshua Legan said the car ran off to the right of the road, struck a tree and then overturned. He said Hass was unrestrained in the backseat before she died. Legan also said alcohol and speeding were involved in the accident.
“All of us in the NC State community are grieving the tragic loss of Cheyanne Hass, a bright and ambitious Electrical Engineering student who was set to graduate this coming Saturday,” said Chancellor Randy Woodson in a statement released on Monday afternoon. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this very difficult time, as well as with Mason Lanier, NC State student James Thomas and their families.”
Woodson also encouraged self-care among students during this time.
“To all of our students, on behalf of NC State, I want to remind and encourage each of you to take care of yourselves, and look after each other, as you celebrate the end of the school year and graduation.”*
The NC State Counseling Center offers walk-in appointments from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. A 24/7 on-call counselor can be reached at 919-515-2423.
The NC State Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit offers several programs related to alcohol awareness and DWIs. Information about these programs can be found on their website.
Luke Perrin and Hessa Al Maghlouth contributed reporting.
*Editor’s Note: This article was updated with a statement from Chancellor Randy Woodson on May 8.
