A GoFundMe page has been established to help pay for the funeral expenses of five-year-old William Everett Copeland, who was killed in Hillsborough on Monday when he was struck by a construction truck.

Emotional, frantic 911 calls were released by Orange County Emergency Services on Tuesday detailing the moments immediately after the incident. One caller said a doctor in the neighborhood was performing CPR on the boy. The other two calls were placed by a man and woman who said it was their child who had been struck. Both callers said the child was unconscious but had a pulse. WCHL is not airing the emergency calls.

Alejandro Suarez, of Angier, has been charged with death by motor vehicle after police say it appears Suarez was responsible for control of the vehicle. Hillsborough Police Chief Duane Hampton said in a release on Monday that “we don’t believe the vehicle was properly secured.”

The incident occurred in the Forest Ridge subdivision, which has some complete homes and some still under construction. Officials say the truck was being loaded with dirt when it rolled away from its work area.

Police say Copeland was taken to Duke University Hospital but was pronounced dead Monday afternoon.

Crescent Communities is the developer that owns the community. Crescent Communities spokesman Tony Wilbert issued a statement after the incident.

“Crescent Communities is saddened by the accident and the child’s death [Monday] at the Forest Ridge community in Hillsborough. The accident involved construction equipment operated by a contractor hired by one of the community’s homebuilders. Because Hillsborough police have charged another company’s employee in the death, Crescent cannot comment on the actual events or criminal case. We are closely monitoring the situation and cooperating with authorities. Crescent cannot express strongly enough our sympathies for the child’s family and friends.”

The GoFundMe page says Copeland has a twin and younger sister.

Related Stories
‹
Hillsborough: Hog Day Recap, Burwell School, Elizabeth Keckley, Town History
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 22, discussing town news and events. He recapped this past weekend's Hog Day festivities. He also talked about the recent name change for the Burwell School, which led to a broader discussion of town history, and more.
On Air Today: Katharine Whalen and Eryk Pruitt on 24 Hours in Hillsborough
Katherine Whalen of Katherine Whalen's Jazz Squad and Eryk Pruitt of Yonder Southern Cocktails and Brew spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, September 17. They discussed Eryk's recent column 24 Hours In Hillsborough: Off the Beaten Path, which includes several recommendations for things to do in Hillsborough. Katherine discussed highlights of the Hillsborough music scene, including Thursday night jazz at Yonder. They discussed other upcoming events, including a terrarium workshop hosted by Andrew, and more.
Hillsborough: Town Board Reconvenes, Hog Day, Community Survey
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 8. He discussed the closure of a longtime downtown business and the general state of local businesses in the downtown area. He also previewed next week’s meeting of the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, as they begin their regular fall meeting schedule. He also previewed upcoming events, and more.
The Morning News: CHCCS Mandarin Program, Hillsborough Community Survey, UNC Football
In today's news: the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board meets this Thursday, with the Mandarin program tops on the agenda.
Hillsborough: Dual Supply and Downtown Businesses, Board Meeting Preview, and More
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 8. He discussed the closure of a longtime downtown business and the general state of local businesses in the downtown area. He also previewed next week's meeting of the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, as they begin their regular fall meeting schedule. He also previewed upcoming events, and more.
The Morning News: CHCCS Board Vacancy, Bill Belichick Speaks
In today's news: Bill Belichick addresses the media for the first time after new revelations about the investigation of Tar Heel football.
What's Open or Closed on Labor Day? Holiday to Impact Local Government Services
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, Sep. 7, […]
Hillsborough's Burwell School Adopts New Name to Honor Enslaved Dressmaker
The name is in honor of Elizabeth Hobbes Keckley, a nationally-renowned seamstress and writer who was enslaved at the site.
'A Beautiful and Lasting Tribute': New Orange County Crisis Diversion Center Named in Jamezetta Bedford's Honor
Jamezetta Bedford's Orange County commissioner colleagues recently dedicated the future crisis diversion facility in her honor and memory.
Dual Supply Hardware Store in Hillsborough Enters Final Sale Ahead of Closing
For seven decades, some iteration of the Dual Supply Co. has sat in downtown Hillsborough. But soon, the local hardware store will close.
›