FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — A tragic crash on Interstate 40 Westbound in Forsyth County has claimed the lives of four young men, leaving their families devastated. The accident, which occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025, shut down the highway for several hours as authorities investigated the cause of the collision.
The Accident
The crash happened early on Sunday morning, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to family members, DJ Wimley, one of the victims, received an emergency SOS alert from his phone, signaling that a crash had occurred. His mother, Taneisha Gayles, described the gut-wrenching moment when she received the alert, prompting her family to drive for nearly five hours to the crash site without knowing the full extent of the tragedy.
“We didn’t know anything. We just knew there had been a crash and that emergency services had been contacted. We drove in hope, praying for the best,” Gayles shared.
Victims Identified
As the families traveled to the crash site, they held onto a small glimmer of hope that their loved ones would be safe. Unfortunately, their worst fears were confirmed when they arrived. DJ Wimley, Elijah Brown, and Marcus Phifer were all confirmed dead at the scene. A fourth man also lost his life, though the family has not yet been identified. The families have since placed crosses at the crash site as a symbol of their love and grief.
Elijah Brown’s mother, Tia Bardy, expressed her heartbreak, saying, “I’m hoping that’s not my son. I’m hoping I can wake up and he’s like, ‘Hey, mom. You know that wasn’t me.’”
Tributes to the Victims
DJ Wimley was a freshman at Howard University in Washington, D.C., with big dreams of becoming a sports medicine physician. His mother recalled that he had recently joined the university’s football team, fulfilling a goal he had worked hard for. “His goal was to be a sports medicine physician. He also walked onto the football team at Howard University,” Gayles said.
Marcus Phifer’s mother remembered her son’s favorite saying, “God’s got me,” as a source of strength during this incredibly difficult time.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have yet to confirm the full details of the crash, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation. The families are in the process of preparing to bring their sons back home to Virginia for burial.
As they await further information from authorities, the community has rallied around the families, offering support during this heartbreaking time. The crash serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly it can be taken away.
What’s Next
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and the families continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones. Troopers have promised to release more information as soon as it becomes available, but for now, the families are focused on bringing their sons home for their final rest.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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