Local News - June 2002

Teen dies in wreck

Friends mourn loss of recent WLHS grad

From staff reports

June 24, 2002 - VALE – A recent West Lincoln High School graduate died Friday night following a four-wheeler accident.

Jason Michael Dedmon, 18, drove his four-wheeler over an embankment, landing in the path of a 1986 Buick traveling on Reeps Grove Church Road, according to state Highway Patrol reports.

The driver of the Buick, Jerry Norman Vancise Jr. of Peeler Road, was not at fault, police said. The accident happened at 8:19 p.m.

Dedmon was transported by Lincoln County EMS to Lincoln Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Vancise was treated by EMS at the scene and transported to LMC by private vehicle. Vancise was charged with driving with a revoked license.

West Lincoln Rescue Squad and Union Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the accident.

Dedmon is the son of Mike and Dawn Dedmon of Vale.

Funeral services are today at 2 p.m. at Reeps Grove United Methodist Church.

Former classmates say Dedmon will be missed.

“He’s one of the best people I’ve ever known. You had to love him no matter what. It’s really sad it had to happen like this. He’s a good man,” said Clark Heavner.

Matt Williams described Dedmon as “one of the best friends I ever knew.”

“I love him just like a brother. We all loved him,” he said.

A four-year West Lincoln High School football team veteran, Dedmon played left offensive tackle.

“Jason was a great kid. It all came together his senior year. He worked hard. He seemed to mature as a player and as a person,” said Athletic Director Harold Warren who was the team’s head coach last year.

Friends say he planned to attend Central Piedmont Community College to prepare for a career as a diesel mechanic. He enjoyed working on cars and trucks.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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