Jacob Elijah Huffman, the driver of the S-10, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash in Alexander County.
Jacob Huffman, a member of the Class of 2026, was a hardworking and dedicated athlete for North Iredell High School’s Boys Varsity Football team in Olin, North Carolina.
Wearing jersey #72, he contributed to his team as both a tackle and a nose guard.
As part of the 2026 class, Jacob had valuable time ahead to refine his skills, enhance his athletic resume, and continue making a substantial impact for his team on both sides of the line.
Jacob Huffman Died After Not Wearing A Seatbelt During The Accident in Alexander County
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Jacob Huffman died following a head-on collision in Alexander County on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the age of 17.
Around 10:50 a.m., troopers responded to a crash on Sharpe Mill Road near Johnson Farm Road in Hiddenite.
Officials said a 1991 Chevrolet S-10 was traveling west on Sharpe Mill when it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with an eastbound 2000 Ford Ranger.
Jacob, the driver of the S-10, died at the scene, and he was not wearing a seatbelt.
The driver of the Ranger, Kimberly Smith Bebber, 56, of Taylorsville, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A preliminary investigation indicated that speed and impairment were not contributing factors in the crash.
No charges were filed in the case.
Ben-Christin Hardy from Union Grove, North Carolina, took to his official Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Jacob. He wrote,
Jacob was a kind soul with a big heart. He never encountered a stranger and always met you with enthusiastic questions and stories. We have so many wonderful memories with him and his family and we’re clinging on tight to those this morning. Please pray for his family and friends and the entire community as the reality of this new normal starts to set in.
Ben-Christin Hardy
Cori Arlantico also mourned the loss and sent prayers to Jacob’s family. He stated,
Yesterday was a great loss to our world, to North Iredell High School, to NHIS JROTC, to the Chief (Jamie) and I AND most importantly the Huffman family. As we mourn and navigate this loss we remember everything phenomenal that is Jacob Huffman. I remember the first time I met him earlier this year in March “Hi Chiefs Chief I’m Jacob Huffman. I’m the social media guy, so any pictures you take of us can you please send them to me. I love the Chief, he’s the best and I’m happy he’s here.” I got to watch him overcome his fear of heights repelling off a 40ft wall, ziplining and do cadences at JCLC. I witnessed him receiving his S5 rank as well as becoming the Captain of the new Archery Team for the 2025-2026 school year. He was someone I looked forward to seeing everytime I headed up to school for anything and everything JROTC. We were also excited and looking forward to seeing him play football. It was only a short period of time that he has been in Jamie’s life, but his impact was deep with love, admiration, hope for the future, smiles and so SO many laughs. The Chief has no words about how much you meant to him, but I see and I know. You will forever be in our hearts, in our thoughts and our prayers Jacob Huffman
Cori Arlantico
Jacob Huffman Is Survived By His Father, David Huffman
Jacob Huffman was born in 2008 to his father, David Huffman, and his mother, whose identity has not been revealed.
David is originally from Newton, North Carolina, but lives in Hiddenite, North Carolina.
He went to Fred T. Board High School and later graduated from Appalachian State University in 1984.
David is the co-owner of Carmen’s Greenhouse and Blooms Garden Center.
Currently, David has been serving in N.C. Forest Service.
He recently took to his official Facebook handle and posted a photo of Jacob as a tribute. He captioned,
LLJ. Fly high 72
David Huffman
David also announced that the Huffman family will be at 216 Johnson Farm Road to celebrate the life of Jacob.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- David Huffman has a cousin named Gina Null.
