High school student dies after weekend car accident, driver charged with manslaughter

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A student at Providence High School in Charlotte has died after a serious crash Sunday night.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, a speeding 17-year-old, Gorden Fleming, collided with a Volkswagen on Raintree Lane and sent four people to the hospital.

Among them was Ella Lukse, a 10th-grade student at Providence High.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has confirmed Ella has passed away. A memorial has been placed at the site of the crash in the Raintree neighborhood.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that one of our wonderful students, Ella Lukse, a 10th grader, has died after a tragic car accident on Sunday night,” a message to Providence High School families from Principal Tracey Harrill stated.

“We are heartbroken by this loss of life and we grieve with her family and friends.”

“She would just light up your day,” remembered an acquaintance, Kiran Williams.

“She deserved to grow up because I can almost promise you that with the amount of kindness and respect she had for people, she could’ve changed the world for the better,” Williams added.

“Rest in peace. A lot of people love you,” said another classmate.

The school’s crisis response team plans to assist with grief counseling.

Police believe excessive speed could be a factor in this case. Officers said Fleming was found not to be impaired but had consumed alcohol prior to the crash.

He was initially arrested and charged with driving after consuming under 21 and reckless driving, according to the CMPD. Charges have since been upgraded to involuntary manslaughter and a secure custody order was obtained for his arrest.

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