edythe called to check on denita >> and she wasn't answering.hich was you know, after i call your phone several times as a best friend, you know, somebody's going to call you back so i was like, that's strange. so my instinct just said call jermeir really quick just to touch bases with him >> reporter: by now jermeir stroud had left work and was racing to durham >> i spoke to jermeir. and i'm like, "have you made contact with her?" but i felt like i didn't get a definite answer. it seemed like there was a little bit of confusion. >> what do you mean? >> like when i said, "did you speak with her," and he didn't really give me a yes or a no >> he just sound a little rushed like, "edythe, you know, just sit tight. stay calm. i'm sure, you know, we'll get to her. >> reporter: also rushing to get to denita was her mother, sharon smith, who was driving to durham from charlotte >> you're thinking this is an accident >> uh-huh. >> but she's going to be okay? >> uh-huh. i thought she was at the hospital >> reporter: durham police arrived and taped off th