A devastating car accident on the night of April 6, 2024, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, just outside Asheville, has claimed the lives of two teenagers, including Robert “RJ” Fox, 19, from Wilmette, and Sophie Gordon, 16, from Charlotte. The accident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Interstate 40, resulting in a profound tragedy that has shaken the communities involved.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the incident involved a single Volvo sedan carrying six teenagers who had attended the prom at Christ School in Asheville. RJ Fox, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, along with Sophie Gordon and four other passengers, experienced a catastrophic loss of control leading to the vehicle veering off the road and colliding with a tree. The crash has led to the heartbreaking loss of Fox and Gordon, while two others were left with life-threatening injuries, and the driver and another passenger sustained minor injuries. Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed and the inability to navigate an off-ramp were critical factors in the accident.
RJ Fox, a junior at Christ School and a member of the Class of 2025, was returning to the campus with other prom attendees on a school bus when the tragic accident occurred. Dr. Sean Jenkins, the Head of School, confirmed Fox’s attendance and subsequent return to Christ School. Before his time at Christ School, Fox had attended New Trier High School in Wilmette during his freshman year and was a graduate of Wilmette Junior High School in 2020.
Fox’s academic and extracurricular contributions to Christ School were notable. In 2023, he was nominated for Christ School’s Student and Residential Life Award, recognizing his commitment to service. An honor roll student, Fox was known for his academic excellence and was an active member of the school’s lacrosse team. In his last game on April 5, he scored two goals, demonstrating his talent and dedication to the sport.
The ongoing investigation into the incident by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol has yet to result in any charges. The communities of Christ School, New Trier High School, and the families and friends of RJ Fox and Sophie Gordon are now mourning the loss of these young lives, remembered for their vibrant spirits and contributions to their communities.
This tragedy has prompted a renewed focus on road safety, especially among young drivers, and the importance of cautious driving. As the investigation continues, the affected communities come together to support one another in this time of grief, remembering the lives of RJ Fox and Sophie Gordon with heavy hearts.
