Forsyth County

Teen set to graduate HS killed in freak accident driving home

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Police are investigating what appears to be a freak accident that killed a young man Tuesday evening.

Forsyth County deputies told Channel 2's Dave Huddleston that 18-year-old Trent Basden was driving home on Highway 369 when a westbound car hit a deer and sent it airborne.

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The deer crashed into Basden’s windshield, killing him.

“He was a great guy, and now he’s gone. It’s terrible,” Caleb Holtzclaw said.

Holtzclaw said he and Basden were good friends and took math class together.

“Trent was a great guy. Everybody loved him and had awesome things to say about him,” Holtzclaw said.

He visited the site of the crash Wednesday because he said he wanted to come by and see where Trent lost his life.

“I just wanted to. I don’t know. I felt like I should,” Holtzclaw said.

Basden was set to graduate from North Forsyth High School. The principal there sent us the following statement: “Our Raider Nation is mourning the tragic loss of senior Trenton Basden. He was an excellent student and friend to many.”

Family friends said Basden’s parents moved out of town about a year ago. His father is in the ministry.

They also said Tuesday was Basden’s mother’s birthday.