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Funeral Arrangements Set For Three Teens Killed In Wreck

Updated: Monday, January 7 2013, 04:17 PM EST

Funeral arrangements for three Asheville teens killed in that horrific New Year's Day car crash have been tentatively set for Sunday, January 6th at 2:30 p.m. at Biltmore Baptist Church. The service is for all three boys.

Friends of the trio are speaking out for the first time. 14-year-old Matt Strickland and brothers, 18-year-old David, and 17-year-old Shawn Hutchison died in a head-on collision with a tanker truck in south Buncombe County. Friends remember the boys as fun and outgoing types.

Troopers said the boys' car hydroplaned, slid into the opposite lane, and slammed into a tanker truck. A witness told officials the 18-wheeler then dragged the car about 100 feet into an embankment.

All three teens were killed on impact. The driver of the truck, 53-year-old Anthony Carland of Mills River, was taken to Mission Hospital with minor injuries. He is not expected to be charged in the crash.

Trooper Gene Williams says speed was a factor in the crash, however alcohol is not suspected.

Eblen Charities has also set up a fund to help the families of three teenagers. You can donate on EblenCharities.Org or you can send a check made out to Eblend Charities with "Strickland" or "Hutchinson" in the memo line to: Eblen Charities, 50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville, NC 28806.

Checks can also be dropped off at the main office at TC Roberson HS or at the Skyland Fire Dept.