BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. -- Three people are dead after a crash involving an impaired driver Friday night in Brunswick County near Ocean Isle Beach.

Authorities said the driver swerved into a turn lane on Highway 17 near Ocean Isle Beach and caused the accident. Among the victims was a married couple who devoted their lives to helping those struggling with substance abuse.

Just before the crash, Leroy and Frances Carlisle left the Beach Assembly of God Church where they helped people in a substance abuse program. Friends said the couple will be dearly missed.

“It’s just traumatizing when you were just eating with someone a few minutes ago and later you are looking at the possibility of losing them, which we did,” said Johnny Chase, Pastor. 

Pastor Chase said the Carlisle’s funeral is Wednesday after at 2 p.m. at the Beach Assembly of God. The other victim in the crash is Penny Pigford. Her visitation is Tuesday night from 6-8 p.m. at the Wilmington Funeral Chapel.