The morning of Thursday, April 23rd, 32-year-old Courtney Sanford was full of life and feeling happy. Just moments before she died in a tragic car accident, Courtney had shared a post on Facebook, capturing her joyful mood. It was a brief moment of happiness that would soon be overshadowed by a devastating crash.
At 8:33 a.m., Courtney posted, “The happy song makes me so HAPPY,” on her Facebook page, accompanied by a cheerful selfie. It was a simple post, but it was the last one she would ever share. Just one minute later, at 8:34 a.m., a call came into the police about a serious crash on Interstate 85 in North Carolina.
Courtney was driving alone on her way to work when she lost control of her vehicle. Her car veered into the center divider, crashing head-on into a recycling truck. The impact was powerful, causing her car to burst into flames. Tragically, Courtney was killed instantly in the crash, while the truck was pushed off the road but the driver—73-year-old John Wallace Thompson—escaped without injury.
Initial investigations showed no signs of alcohol, drugs, or speeding. It was a routine morning drive that turned into a nightmare. But what made this accident even more heartbreaking was the fact that Courtney’s last moments were spent on her phone. Her final Facebook post had been sent just one minute before the crash, showing how quickly things can go wrong when distracted behind the wheel.
As news of the accident spread, her friends shared her online activity, revealing the timing of the post and the crash. It became clear that Courtney had been using her phone while driving, a decision that ultimately cost her life. This tragedy highlighted the very real dangers of distracted driving—especially when it comes to using social media.
Lt. Chris Weisner of the High Point Police Department addressed the painful reality of the accident. “In just a few seconds, a life was lost because she wanted to share a happy moment with her friends,” Weisner said. “This is a real-life example of the dangers of texting or using social media while driving. It’s just not worth it.”
The accident has served as a sobering reminder of the importance of staying focused when driving. Lt. Weisner added, “This is a hard lesson for all of us. We must pay attention when behind the wheel, or we risk everything. It’s upsetting, but it’s something we all need to remember.”
While the crash took Courtney’s life, it’s also leaving a lasting message for everyone who hears her story. Distracted driving is a serious threat, and this tragedy has brought that reality to light for many people.
Though Courtney’s family and friends continue to mourn her loss, the story of what happened that morning is helping to raise awareness about the dangers of using phones while driving. John Wallace Thompson, the driver of the recycling truck, is grateful to have walked away from the crash unharmed, but the memory of that fateful moment will stay with him forever.
This accident is a sad but important reminder that driving demands our full attention. Share this story with your friends and family to help spread the word about the risks of distracted driving. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
