The East Carolina University (ECU) community is in deep mourning following a fatal car accident in South Carolina that claimed the lives of two students. The head-on collision not only resulted in the devastating loss of two young lives but also left two other ECU students injured, prompting an outpouring of grief and support from the university and its wider community.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Holly Hill, South Carolina, and involved four ECU students. Authorities have confirmed that 20-year-old Shea Crothers, a cherished member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, and 18-year-old James Stanley, affiliated with the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, tragically passed away in the crash. In addition to the heartbreaking loss of these two ECU students killed in the car accident, the driver of the other vehicle involved also died at the scene.
John Mountz, ECU Director of Greek Life, expressed the profound sadness felt across the university. “We’re all deeply saddened by the loss of our students,” Mountz stated. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Shea and James. We are also fervently hoping for the swift recovery of the students who were injured. The university is committed to providing comprehensive support to all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
In the wake of this tragedy, ECU has mobilized its resources to support grieving students and staff. Crisis counseling services have been made readily available throughout the week at the ECU Center for Counseling and Student Development in Umstead Hall. This immediate and ongoing support underscores the university’s commitment to the well-being of its community during periods of immense grief and loss. For those needing immediate assistance over the weekend following the accident, a crisis counselor could be reached by calling 252-328-6661 and selecting option “2”.
South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the head-on collision. Details released by Trooper 1st Class Tyler Tidwell indicate that the two-vehicle crash took place on U.S. Highway 15 near Theater Drive, approximately three miles west of Holly Hill. A 2016 Honda coupe, carrying the four ECU students, traveling southbound on Highway 15, collided head-on with a 1999 Acura Sedan traveling northbound.
Further details released by the Orangeburg County Coroner identified the deceased ECU students as Shea Crothers, 20, from New Jersey, and James Stanley, 18, from Sneads Ferry. The driver of the Acura Sedan was identified as Walter Lee Prezzy Jr., 51, of Holly Hill, who also died in the accident.
Funeral services for Shea Crothers are scheduled for Thursday at the Brunswick Memorial Home in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Details regarding funeral arrangements for James Stanley are yet to be announced.
The ECU community continues to rally together, offering support and comfort to those affected by this devastating car accident. The loss of these two vibrant students serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, and the university is dedicated to supporting its students and staff through this period of mourning and healing.
