Moore County community remembers high school student killed in accident

SOUTHERN PINES, NC (WNCN) – The Southern Pines community is remembering a high school student following a fatal accident.

“He accomplished his mission in such a short time and I hate that I won’t be able to spend that time with him anymore,” said Patsy Mabe, the mother of 17-year-old Brycen Mabe, who died in a car accident on Thursday, June 6.

Patsy says she will never forget that night.

“A youth leader knocked on my door and I knew something was wrong,” she said.

She says her son was in a vehicle with two other friends when they collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Fairway and Central Drive around 10 p.m.

“It hurts. I have never been in so much pain,” she said.

She says Brycen had a big heart but was a beast on the football field at Pinecrest High School.

“He was a carefree kid who worked hard,” said Nick Eddins, head coach of the Pinecrest football team.

Eddins says Brycen just finished his junior year and played defensive end wearing number 91. He says their first practice on Wednesday morning was rough.

“I told the kids we’re going to stick together and find a way to get through this and honor him,” coach Eddins said.

Mabe told CBS 17 there is a Bible verse that keeps them together.

“I keep repeating that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” she said.

Mabe also says that she has found the strength in her heart to forgive.

“The driver is one of his best friends and God has given me the ability to forgive him,” she said.

Mabe says the memorial service and wake will be held in the Pinecrest High School auditorium.

The viewing will be on Monday, June 17th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 18th at 11:00 a.m. Both events are open to the public.

His mother says that immediately after the service, Brycen will be taken to the soccer field one last time.

There will be a funeral service at the Flint Knoll Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Ellerbe.

Donations to cover funeral expenses can be made to a GoFundMe account here.