University mourns student’s death after wreck

By Kelly L. Griffith
News Editor

Christy Sessoms Colbourne, a senior education major, died on April 6 while en route from her home in Hope Mills to class at UNCP.

Colbourne, 30, of 5336 Miranda Drive traveled on N.C. 710 every morning to attend classes. According to the highway patrol accident report read by state trooper Hinson, Colbourne was heading south on N.C. 710 when her vehicle ran off the road on the left and traveled down the east shoulder. She drove back onto the road and ran along the west shoulder.

“The driver over steered and the vehicle preceded back on the road and overturned several times,” Hinson said.

Colbourne was thrown from the automobile and died instantly.

Chancellor Allen C. Meadors said Colbourne would be greatly missed.

“It is always a sad and tragic event when someone dies prematurely and especially someone so close to obtaining their dream of a college degree,” Meadors said.

Director of University Communications Amber Rach said the accident stunned students and faculty.

“We can only hope that our collective thoughts, prayers and support will be a source of strength and comfort to her family,” Rach said.

Visitation for Colbourne was held from 7 – 9 p.m. on April 8 at Reeve’s Funeral Home in Hope Mills. The funeral took place April 9 at 3 p.m. at the Rivers of Living Water Church of God in Fayetteville. Colbourne was buried in Fayetteville’s Cumberland Memorial Gardens.