A beloved Durham School of Technology teacher and her husband were killed in a tragic Uber crash while visiting Detroit, leaving students, staff, and the Durham Public Schools community in mourning.
DURHAM, N.C. — A beloved teacher from Durham Public Schools and her husband were tragically killed over the weekend after the Uber they were riding in crashed into a warehouse, while they were visiting Detroit.
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Carla Boynton, a Health and Physical Education teacher at Durham School of Technology, is being remembered as the “heartbeat” of the school — a woman whose warmth, energy, and dedication to students made a lasting impact far beyond the classroom.
Principal Lamont Dixon, who said he had known Boynton for 12 years, described the news as devastating.
According to Dixon, Boynton began teaching Health and Physical Education at the school about three years ago but had built strong bonds with staff and students long before that. He learned about the crash Sunday from a colleague and later confirmed the heartbreaking details with her family.
The Uber Boynton and her husband were riding reportedly crashed while the couple was visiting Detroit. According to WDIV in Detroit, at about 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2025, police responded to the 6000 block of Rosa Parks after reports of a single-car crash.
Upon arrival, police learned that the car had crashed into a warehouse. Two people were killed in the crash, who has been identified as Carla and her husband Andre Boynton.
Police said speed appeared to be a factor, and the driver of the car was arrested and transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.
After speaking with the family, Dixon immediately called an emergency meeting to inform staff members.
Staff members at Durham School of Technology are now leaning on each other for support as they process the sudden loss.
Dixon described their relationship as one built on camaraderie and shared purpose — serving the community and showing up for students every single day.
Grief counselors are expected to be made available to students and faculty as the school navigates the coming days.
