Mooresville girl dies in golf cart crash

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Mooresville Police say a girl is dead after an accident on a golf cart Monday evening in The Farms community. Police say they arrived to the intersection of Swamp Rose Drive and Golden Pond Lane where they found several young people on a golf cart. One of them was badly injured and later died.

ATA Cheer Lake Norman identified the victim as Julia Rooney. In a post on social media, the cheer club said, “Julia Rooney was not only a teammate, but a friend, a light in our gym, and someone who made an impact on everyone she met. The mat will never feel the same without her. From her days as a youth athlete to her time as a senior, she always carried the same bright smile.”

North Carolina law says a person must be at least 16 years old with a valid license to drive a golf cart and speed cannot exceed 35 miles per hour. Mooresville Police have not provided further details on what happened before the crash or who was driving the golf cart.

WCCB asked Mooresville Police if they plan to consult with the District Attorney to file charges in this case, but we haven’t heard back.

Mooresville Police Department responded quickly to the scene, describing it simply as a golf cart accident. A crash reconstruction team returned to the location on Tuesday to gather more evidence as the investigation continues. Authorities have released very few additional details, and it remains unclear exactly what caused the vehicle to crash at that intersection. No information has been made public yet about the speed of the cart, the number of occupants, road conditions, or whether any charges might be filed. The department issued a brief statement: “Our thoughts are with the families impacted during this difficult time.” Counselors and support services were made available to students and staff at Woodland Heights Middle School in the wake of the loss.

Julia Rooney, born October 11, 2009, was remembered fondly by her cheer teammates and coaches as someone who brought light and energy wherever she went. In a heartfelt statement, ATA Cheer Lake Norman posted: “Julia Rooney was not only a teammate, but a friend, a light in our gym, and someone who made an impact on everyone she met. The mat will never feel the same without her.” From her early days as a youth athlete to her time as a senior, she carried the same bright smile that touched so many lives. Her sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the local cheer community and the broader Mooresville area, with friends, family, and neighbors sharing tributes and urging others to hug their loved ones tighter.

As news of the tragedy spread rapidly through social media and local groups, unverified rumors and eyewitness accounts began circulating online. One teenager who claims to have been nearby or spoken with someone at the scene has alleged that the golf cart driver was holding a phone or some small dark object in their hand moments before the 5:15 p.m. crash. According to the circulating claim, the driver appeared distracted, possibly looking down or interacting with the device right before the accident unfolded. This detail, which has not been confirmed by police or official investigators, has left many in the community wondering what exactly pulled the driver’s attention away in those critical seconds. “Something dark in the driver’s hand” — the phrase is now echoing across Facebook posts, neighborhood chat groups, and comment sections, with people speculating whether it was a cellphone, a vape, or another item that contributed to the distraction.

Investigators have not publicly addressed or confirmed any such claims, and the ongoing reconstruction work suggests they are still piecing together the full picture. While official sources remain tight-lipped, the rumor has fueled online discussions about the dangers of distracted driving — even in low-speed vehicles like golf carts — especially among young people in residential neighborhoods. Many locals are calling for answers and emphasizing the need for caution when operating any vehicle, no matter how harmless it may seem.

This heartbreaking loss serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change in an ordinary evening among friends. Julia’s vibrant presence will be deeply missed on the cheer mat and in the halls of her school. As the investigation proceeds, the community continues to rally around her family, sharing memories and support while hoping for clarity on the circumstances that led to this devastating accident. For now, the focus remains on honoring a young life taken far too soon.