Mom of 18-year-old found dead wants tragedy to be teachable moment for young people

Two 18-year-olds were hanging out Friday night.

The next day, their families found them dead.

One mother is working to turn her tragedy into change.

Betsy Moore, the mother of Wilson Moore, described the last few days as a nightmare. She said her son was a bright light that left a positive mark on many.

It's hard for her to understand how this happened. She suspects he may have taken something that was tainted or laced. Authorities in two counties, including Rolesville police, continue to investigate his death and another.

Wilson would have turned 19 on Monday.

"He was just my whole world for 19 years, my whole world," Betsy said.

"He came in around 12:30 and he said, 'I just want to let you know that I am home,'" Betsy said.

She talked with Wilson, told him she loved him and they both went to bed. She went out the next morning and for hours had trouble reaching her only son.

"His dad came and found him. His dad is the one who called 911," Betsy said.

"I don't know," said Betsy when asked about what happened. "I'm waiting for the police. I do think maybe someone said, 'take something,' and it was laced with something, so that is my speculation."

Rolesville police are calling it an active death investigation. They are working with Franklin County Sheriff's Office as the same night 18-year-old Jacob Cope also never woke up. Jacob and Wilson were hanging out the night before.

Betsy is adamant to turn this tragedy into awareness and education about drugs and alcohol.

"If his life can save one life, he has fulfilled his purpose on this earth," Betsy said.

Her message is simple - talk to your children and even educate yourself, something she did frequently with Wilson.

"He will not be a memory of a tragic death, he will be a stepping stone, to push us," Betsy said. "This is a wake up call."

A toxicology report will determine the cause of death for both Wilson and Jacob.

Wilson's funeral will be held Saturday at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.

"His legacy will live on, so this doesnt happen to others," Betsy said.