News Summary

Transylvania County mourns the loss of two high school football players, Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo, who died in an ATV crash. The community is in shock as investigations reveal speed and alcohol played roles in the incident. A substitute teacher faces charges related to their deaths, complicating the grief that has engulfed Rosman High School and the surrounding area.

Tragic Incident Strikes North Carolina Community

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the small town of Transylvania County in North Carolina is mourning the loss of two beloved high school football players. Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo, both students at Rosman High School, tragically lost their lives in an ATV crash that occurred in the early hours of August 25, 2024. The details surrounding the incident are both shocking and truly sad for the entire community.

A Look at the Fateful Night

According to reports, Layne and Jayden were riding a 2015 Polaris Sportsman ATV at approximately 1 a.m. when the vehicle veered off the road and smashed into a tree. Sadly, both boys were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving a community in shock and sorrow. The investigation that followed revealed that both speed and alcohol likely played a role in the tragic crash.

Charges Filed Against Substitute Teacher

The heartache deepened when the authorities arrested Ashley Marie Darity, a 34-year-old substitute teacher, on February 13, 2025. She faces two counts of felony involuntary manslaughter in connection with the boys’ deaths. Darity served as a substitute teacher in the Transylvania County Schools District from October 2021 until December 2023. Following her arrest, she was released on a secured bond set at $20,000, allowing her to return home while awaiting further legal proceedings.

A Community in Grief

The tragedy has undoubtedly impacted the Rosman High School community deeply. The local school district expressed its heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the tragic nature of this incident. Students, parents, and teachers alike are trying to cope with the loss of young lives gone too soon, mourning the dreams and futures that were cut short.

Connections to a Party

As investigators delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding the crash, it was discovered that Layne and Jayden may have attended a house party prior to the accident. During the probe, authorities also arrested two other individuals, Brandon Kaine Rathbone, 47, and Patricia Faye Whitehead, 33. They face charges of aiding and abetting a person under 21 in the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Their involvement stems from an earlier incident related to the same residence where the crash occurred.

Continuing Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, as local authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to that fateful night. For families and friends of Layne and Jayden, finding answers and closure is crucial. The impact of this tragic accident extends beyond just their immediate circle; it echoes throughout the entire community of Transylvania County.

Looking Ahead

As the legal proceedings take shape, everyone affected by this tragedy will be searching for understanding and healing. For now, the focus remains on supporting the families and friends who are grappling with this immense loss. Educators, parents, and students are banding together, united in their grief but also in their commitment to honor the memories of two young lives that brought so much joy to their community.

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