HIDDENITE, N.C. — The community is mourning the loss of Jacob Elijah Huffman, 17, of Hiddenite, who was tragically killed in a head-on collision on Saturday morning, August 30, 2025.

The crash happened around 10:50 a.m. on Sharpe Mill Road near Johnson Farm Road, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Investigators said Jacob was driving a 1991 Chevrolet S-10 when his vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with a 2000 Ford Ranger.

Jacob was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The Ford Ranger’s driver, Kimberly Smith Bebber, 56, of Taylorsville, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Troopers said neither speed nor impairment were factors in the crash, and no charges will be filed. The roadway was closed for about two hours while investigators worked at the scene.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol extended condolences to Jacob’s family, and loved ones are remembering him as a young life gone far too soon.