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.

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

Moore said it's difficult for her to understand how this happened but she suspects her son may have taken something that was tainted or laced. Authorities in two counties, including Rolesville police, continue to investigate the deaths of Wilson and his friend, 18-year-old Jacob Cope.

Wilson would have turned 19 on Monday.

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

Moore said she saw her son when he got home Friday night.

"He came in around 12:30 and he said, 'I just want to let you know that I am home,'" she 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," Moore 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 the boys' deaths an active death investigation and are working with Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

Moore 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 doesn't happen to others," Betsy said.