Sayville Resident Killed In Fatal Crash In North Carolina

SAYVILLE, NY — A Long Island resident and lacrosse player was among the three college students who died in a car crash in North Carolina last week, university officials confirmed in a statement. On Friday, seven University of Mount Olive students, including six from the women's lacrosse team and a former baseball player, were involved in the fatal crash at the intersection of Highway 55 and Indian Springs Road.

The students were in a jeep that was struck by an oncoming transfer-trailer truck. Freshmen exercise science major Madison Mergl, of Sayville, and sophomore agribusiness major Ann Wray of Oakland, NJ, died as a result of the injuries they sustained in the crash on Friday. The other students were airlifted to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.

"It is a sad day for the University of Mount Olive. We are in prayer for everyone involved in this horrific accident," Interim University of Mount Olive President Dr. Ed Croom said in a statement. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of Ann Wray and Madison Mergl, and we uplift all of the others in our prayers as they continue to receive medical treatment. The University of Mount Olive is a close-knit community and this has hit us all hard."

Then on Monday, the third student, Jett Swetland, died after he succumbed to his injuries. The Sparta, OH resident was a senior business management major and former baseball player.

"We are extremely sad to share the news of the passing of Jett Swetland," Croom said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Swetland family at this time, and for the many difficult days ahead. The UMO family continues to struggle with the devastating loss of these young and talented members of our campus community."