Norah Rayne Smitherman was a 17-year-old senior at Forbush High School in Yadkinville, North Carolina. She died from a gunshot wound and was found at a home on Gospel Way Church Road on November 4, 2021. Norah was a straight-A student and National Honor Society member who played volleyball and softball and volunteered with her church and children in her community.

The shooting was initially reported as accidental, but investigators later arrested a 17-year-old boy, also a Forbush High student. He has been charged with second-degree murder and is being held in juvenile custody. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office. A celebration of life was held at Union Grove Baptist Church in Yadkinville.

If anyone knew Norah, saw activity on Gospel Way Church Road that day, or has information relevant to the investigation, please come forward.