RALEIGH, N.C. — (March 4 ) Alcohol and speed were factors in a late-night wreck that killed four Wakefield High School students in March, authorities said.
Baker Wood, 18; Anthony Bostic, 17; Steven George, 18; and Timothy Steinberg, 18, were returning from a championship high-school basketball game in Greenville when, according to police, Wood hit a concrete barrier and skidded for more than 400 feet before flying over the 3-foot wall and crashing to the ground nearly 60 feet.
Wood was driving at more than 100 mph, police said. A medical examiner's report showed he had a blood-alcohol level of .21 percent -- more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent for adult drivers.
The accident hit close to home for many Wakefield High students, and prompted school and student leaders to emphasize the dangers of drinking and driving..
"I don't think you throw up your hands and say, 'Kids are kids,'" said parent Joyce Nogales. "It's a serious issue and should be taken to heart. Parents need to be more involved with their kids."
Two other Wakefield students were killed the same school year. Less than two months later, Ashley Riggsbee, 18, was driving on near Falls of the Neuse Road when she lost control of her car and hit a tree.
Another Wakefield student died in a crash in November 2005.
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