(UPDATED) – Newton High School Rams’ junior soccer player Carlvon Betts passed away earlier this morning from head injuries suffered in a car accident yesterday afternoon. 

According to Newton County Sheriff's Office (NCSO) Deputy Felicia Jefferson, Betts was driving on Heaton Road around 3:20 p.m. Tuesday when he lost control of his car while negotiating a curve.

Betts was ejected from the vehicle and suffered severe head trauma. He was airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center before succumbing to his head injuries early this morning. According to Jefferson, it appears at this time that Betts was not wearing a seatbelt.

There were rumors swirling that Betts was texting and driving, but there is no evidence to support that and Jefferson says that it was not in the accident report.

“On behalf of the sheriff’s office, we just wanted to reiterate to everybody to wear your seat belts,” Jefferson said.

The NCSO will hold ‘reality wrecks’ at the three high schools in Newton County in the coming weeks. With Newton’s session being held on April 17. Reality wrecks will look to bring awareness to texting and driving, drinking and/or anything that takes your eyes off the road or hinders you from being able to operate the vehicle.  

Newton posted this message on its Facebook earlier today:

“Our students, faculty and staff will need your support and compassion during this time of mourning. The loss of any student, particularly in such a tragic and senseless a manner, grievously wounds us all. We know that you join us in conveying the deepest sorrow and most sincere condolences of the family of Carlvon. We ask everyone in our school and community to support to anyone who may need it. Our grief counselors are available to any student or faculty member who wishes to talk with them about this tragic event.”