Sarah Laney, of 206 University Dr., was the only passenger in a car driven by UNC junior Annick Le Goff, said Trooper Timothy T. Daniels of the N.C. Highway Patrol. Daniels said Goff fell asleep and lost control of the vehicle, a 1998 Toyota 4Runner.
The car was heading east on I-40 when it ran into a median, returned to the highway and overturned several times, Daniels said. He said the single-car accident occurred at 5:15 a.m. approximately two miles northwest of Chapel Hill.
Laney was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries on the scene, Daniels said.
He said Goff suffered minor injuries and was taken to UNC Hospitals. A UNC Hospitals representative said Goff was no longer a patient Thursday evening.
Laney, a sociology major, was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She also worked at Four Eleven West and Elaine's On Franklin, both restaurants on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.
Bret Jennings, head chef and owner of Elaine's, said Laney had worked as a hostess for four months. He said Laney quickly became part of the restaurant family during her time there.
"She had a pick-me-up smile and attitude," he said. "This is a very ugly thing that happened to a very beautiful person."
Laney was from Shelby, where she was a member of Central United Methodist Church. Jeannie Hamrick, director of Christian education, said Laney grew up attending the church.
With her energy and spirit, Laney had a remarkable passion for life, Hamrick said.