North Carolina high school football players killed in ATV crash after house party; 3 adults charged

A tragic incident in the small town of Rosman, North Carolina, has left a community in mourning and raised questions about responsibility and underage drinking. In August 2024, two teenagers, Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo, both students at Rosman High School, lost their lives in a devastating ATV accident. The crash occurred on Old Wagon Road, near the South Carolina border, after the teens attended a party in the area. Authorities reported that the ATV collided with a tree, and both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. This heartbreaking event has not only shattered the lives of the families involved but has also sparked a broader conversation about the dangers of underage drinking and the role of adults in preventing such tragedies.

Three North Carolina adults—Ashley Marie Darity, Patricia Whitehead, and Brandon Rathbone—have been charged in connection with the incident. Ashley Marie Darity, 35, faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter, a serious charge that reflects her alleged role in the events leading to the boys’ deaths. Court records show that Darity was indicted on February 10, though the details of her alleged involvement remain unclear. Meanwhile, Patricia Whitehead, 33, and Brandon Rathbone, 47, have been charged with aiding the underage purchase of alcohol. These charges suggest that the two may have provided alcohol to minors at the party, which could have contributed to the tragic outcome. While the charges against Whitehead and Rathbone were filed in February 2023, officials have confirmed that they are directly tied to the ATV accident.

The investigation has revealed that the party attended by Jones and Reynaldo was hosted by Whitehead and Rathbone, who allegedly supplied alcohol to underage individuals. Court documents indicate that the pair not only provided alcohol but also encouraged underage drinking by facilitating activities such as keg stands. These allegations highlight a disturbing pattern of disregard for the law and the safety of minors. The decision to allow underage drinking and the failure to ensure the safety of the teenagers has had deadly consequences, leaving families and friends to grapple with an unimaginable loss.

Ashley Marie Darity’s release on a $20,000 bond has drawn attention to the legal proceedings surrounding the case. While she has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, her attorney has declined to comment on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered. Similarly, the involvement of North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) in the case underscores the seriousness of the charges and the state’s commitment to addressing underage drinking. However, ALE has not responded to inquiries from Fox News Digital, leaving the public without further insight into the ongoing investigation.

The deaths of Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo have sent shockwaves through the Rosman community, where the two teens were remembered as bright and promising students with their lives ahead of them. Friends, classmates, and neighbors have come together to mourn the loss of the young lives and to support the grieving families. The tragedy has also sparked a renewed focus on the importance of preventing underage drinking and ensuring that adults take responsibility for safeguarding minors. As the community heals, many are hoping that this heartbreaking incident will serve as a wake-up call for parents, party hosts, and law enforcement to take proactive steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

While justice is being sought through the legal system, the pain of this loss will linger for years to come. The case of Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo is a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of accountability. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community will continue to grapple with the questions of how this tragedy could have been prevented and how to ensure that no other family has to endure such a devastating loss. In the meantime, the memory of these two young lives will live on, and their story will serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of underage drinking and the critical role of adult responsibility.