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: Graffiti Art at Cate's Creek, Orange Grove Road Closed, Meeting Preview
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bells spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 6, discussing town news and events. He talked about a traffic accident from earlier in the afternoon that has closed parts of I-85 and Orange Grove Road, and diverted traffic downtown. He talked about the opening of a Graffiti Art park at Cate's Creek park near the skate spot. He also previewed next week's Hillsborough Board of Commissioners meeting, which will continue budget talks, and more.
Truck Crash on Interstate 85 South Closes Lane and Orange Grove Road in Hillsborough
The crash of a tractor-trailer truck on Interstate 85 South in Hillsborough is leading to major traffic delays and closures on Tuesday afternoon.
Hillsborough Parking Study Underway; Town Asks for Community Input
As Hillsborough continues to plan for the future, the town government is asking for feedback on where people prefer to park their vehicles.
José Hidalgo Named Orange County Schools Teacher of the Year
José Hidalgo, a seventh-grade science teacher at A.L. Stanback Middle School in Hillsborough, was named the Orange County Schools Teacher of the Year Friday afternoon. Hidalgo was chosen from among 13 teachers who were named Teachers of the Year at their respective schools. “Hidalgo’s selflessness, dedication to his work, and ability to form strong relationships […]
New Italian Restaurant Coming to Former Radius Pizzeria Space in Hillsborough
Serratore’s Pizza and Pasta, a new Italian-American restaurant headed by local chef Josh Decarolis, will open this summer in the space formerly occupied by Radius Pizzeria and Pub at 112 North Churton Street in downtown Hillsborough. A specific opening date was not provided. Decarolis is a Hillsborough resident and is a partner in two other […]
Hillsborough: End of COVID Aid, Annexation, General Assembly Briefing
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 29, discussing town news and events. He discussed the events of the recent board of commissioners meeting, where they talked about the end of a federal block grant program. He also discussed some annexation being considered by the town, some rezoning requests from residents, a briefing on some bills in the General Assembly that would affect the town's ability to plan for growth, and more. He also talked about a parking survey, as the town gathers more information about parking habits in the community, and more.
'Financial Disaster': Cancelled FEMA Program Leaves Hillsborough Pump Station Project $6 Million Short
Hillsborough is now scrambling for ways to move forward with relocating its River Pump Station, a critical water and sewer project.
Hillsborough: FEMA Funding Pulled, Sewage Spill, Climate Challenge Concludes
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 22. He discussed the recent loss of FEMA funding for a couple of crucial projects for the town of Hillsborough. He also discussed a recent sewage spill and the subsequent cleanup. He talked about the Hillsborough Climate Challenge, which wraps up today, including the likelihood that the challenge will be repeated next year, and more.
Hillsborough: Dog Costume Contest and Easter Egg Hunt, Climate Challenge, River Hazard Mitigation
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 8. He previewed a Hillsborough Police event coming up at Gold Park this weekend that will include an easter egg hunt and a dog costume contest. He also discussed several of the Hillsborough Climate Challenge Events coming up this week. He talked about a virtual public meeting on mitigating hazards in the Haw and Eno rivers, previewed the next board of commissioners meeting, and more.
Hillsborough: Climate Challenge Continues, 250th Celebration, Water Infrastructure
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 1. He discussed the ongoing Hillsborough Climate Challenge which continues through Earth Day on April 22. He discussed upcoming events in the Climate Challenge, and the broader intent of the program. He also updated a pump station replacement project, discussed the timeline for the town's participation in the America 250 Celebration coming up next year, and more.
›