17-Year-Old Salisbury Student Dies in Head-On Collision Near China Grove
A 17-year-old Salisbury student lost his life in a head-on crash near China Grove. Read details on the wreck, victim info, and police report today.
The Salisbury and China Grove communities are mourning the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old Victoria “Tori” Overcash, a senior at J.C. Carson High School, who died in a crash Thursday morning on Brown Road near China Grove.
According to North Carolina Highway Patrol Master Trooper Whit Efird, the collision occurred when Overcash’s southbound vehicle crossed the center line and struck a northbound garbage truck head-on. The impact was severe, and Overcash, a resident of Salisbury, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that next of kin have been notified.
Officials stated that no other injuries were reported in the crash. The cause of the collision remains under investigation as troopers continue reviewing evidence and reconstructing the events that led up to the tragic incident.
News of Tori’s passing has deeply shaken students, teachers, and families across Rowan-Salisbury Schools. In response, the district made additional counselors available at Carson High School to support grieving students and staff members coping with the sudden loss of a classmate and friend.
Friends and community members have described Tori as vibrant, kind, and full of life. Tributes have poured in across social media, with classmates sharing memories, photos, and heartfelt messages honoring her spirit. Many have spoken about her positive energy and the light she brought into classrooms, hallways, and extracurricular activities.
The Carson Cougarettes Dance Team announced a special prayer in Tori’s honor to be held during its final season performance on Friday. Attendees have been encouraged to wear pink and teal as a tribute to her memory, creating a visible show of unity and remembrance within the school community.
As the investigation continues, the focus in Salisbury and China Grove remains on supporting Tori’s family and one another during an incredibly difficult time. Her sudden passing serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be, and her memory will live on in the hearts of classmates, teachers, and all who knew her.
