NC teen dies after hit by driver in Holly Springs; 2nd death in the family in months, dad says

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WTVD) — A heartbreaking day for the family of a 14-year-old and the Wake County community after a teenager died when he was hit while riding his bike early Sunday morning.

The principal of Holly Springs High School sent a letter to parents and students informing them that the victim was 9th-grade freshman Max Dunham.

Max’s father tells ABC11 he lost his wife a few months ago to cancer and now has to deal with losing his son.

As students head back to class on Monday, the school said in the email, they will have grief resources available to support students dealing with Max’s loss.

The message says impart:
“Dear Holly Springs High Families,
It is with great sadness that I write this message to let you know that one of our students, 9th grader Max Dunham died on 10/26/25. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

The school said they will continue to have staff available at the school to assist students trying to cope with his death.

What we know about the crash

The crash occurred around 1:40 a.m. on Avent Ferry Road near Holly Meadow Drive and involved a head-on collision between the driver of a Honda Civic and a driver in a Honda Passport. Before that collision, police say one of the drivers hit the teen who was riding a bicycle.

SEE ALSO | Teen riding bike killed after being hit by a driver, prior to a head-on collision in Holly Springs

Police have not said which driver hit Dunham.

According to police, 16-year-old Ashton H. Rahlfs, who was driving the Passport, is facing a DWI charge.

Anyone with any information regarding the crash or the events leading up to it, is requested to contact the Traffic Investigations and Enforcement Unit at 919-577-3110.

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