A college swimming star was killed in a Mother’s Day car crash in North Carolina – just hours after he graduated.

Keegan McKenney, 22, was a member of the swim team at Queens University of Charlotte. According to WCTV, he collected his degree on Saturday.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, however, McKeeney was among the passengers in a BMW that ran off the road and crashed into a tree.

Firefighters were forced to cut those involved out of the car following the crash, which took place around 2:15am. They were then rushed to the hospital but McKenney was later pronounced dead.

‘Forever a Royal,’ the Queens University of Charlotte swim team wrote in a tribute on social media.

‘We honor the life of Keegan McKenney – a cherished teammate, friend, and member of the Queens family whose impact will never be forgotten.

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College swimming star Keegan McKenney, 22, was killed in a Mother’s Day car crash

‘Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time.’

Police said that everyone inside the car was wearing seatbelts, with officers now examining what caused the crash.

‘Further investigation will be needed to determine if impairment or speed is a factor in this case,’ the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a statement.

A native of Maine, McKenney had swum for Queens since his freshman year in North Carolina. He competed in butterfly and individual medley.

Before heading to Queens, McKenney was reportedly a record-breaking high school swimmer at Cape Elizabeth High.

‘He inspired those around him through consistent effort, commitment and dedication but allowed himself to enjoy time in the pool and on deck with his friends and teammates,’ his coach Ben Raymond told the Portland Press Herald.