URGENT UPDATE: A massive party in Person County has led to a rollover crash, leaving a North Carolina Central University student, Jayden Moody, without a car. The incident occurred on October 25, 2023, as chaos erupted from the “Oil Spill” event that attracted an estimated 5,000 attendees, overwhelming local resources.
Moody, a junior who purchased a ticket to the party, was unable to enter due to capacity limits. When he returned to his vehicle, he discovered it had been struck and ended up in a ditch. “I could’ve been in the car,” he expressed, emphasizing the precariousness of the situation. “God bless I wasn’t in it.”
Authorities report that a 21-year-old woman, driving a vehicle with eight passengers from the event, crashed into Moody’s parked car before rolling over. Four individuals in her vehicle sustained injuries, with one person ejected; fortunately, all are expected to recover.
Local resident Jake May described the scene, saying, “We’ve dealt with similar situations, but nothing to that level. That was by far the most we’ve seen at one of these parties.” The influx of attendees led to a “nightmare” for the community, with reports of erratic driving and littering.
Person County Sheriff Jason Wilborn confirmed that the event was not officially sanctioned by any university. “We received notification last week about the party,” said Wilborn. Despite attempts to restrict the gathering, he stated, “We legally could not take action.” The sheriff’s department was overwhelmed with emergency calls regarding the large number of vehicles parked on private property.
Residents reported significant disturbances, with many unable to access their homes due to blocked driveways. “I blame the adults that put the young adults in this situation,” May added, noting the lack of transportation options in the area.
The party organizers have since apologized and worked to clean up the area, but the damage was done. “I understand they got a lot of people coming on their properties doing this and that,” said Moody, acknowledging the frustrations of local residents.
As of now, the aftermath of the party continues to unfold. Authorities have shut down the event due to safety concerns, and discussions are ongoing about how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Residents and officials alike are calling for better communication from event organizers to ensure law enforcement can manage such large gatherings effectively. Sheriff Wilborn emphasized, “Organizers should reach out before hosting an event of this magnitude.”
This developing story highlights the urgent need for community cooperation and safety measures at large events. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation evolves.
