The East Carolina University (ECU) community is in deep mourning following a devastating head-on collision in South Carolina that claimed the lives of two beloved students. University leadership and fellow students are grieving the loss of Shea Crothers and James Stanley, while also praying for the recovery of two other ECU students injured in the same tragic Ecu Students Car Crash.
The fatal ecu students car crash occurred on Friday afternoon in Holly Hill, South Carolina. Authorities reported that 20-year-old Shea Crothers, a cherished member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, and 18-year-old James Stanley, affiliated with Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, tragically passed away at the scene. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the driver of the second vehicle involved in the ecu students car crash also lost their life.
John Mountz, ECU Director of Greek Life, expressed the collective sorrow of the university, stating, “We’re all profoundly saddened by the loss of our students. Our hearts are with the students who are recovering, and East Carolina University is committed to providing our full support to them and the entire university community during this incredibly difficult time.”
In the wake of this tragedy, ECU is extending comprehensive crisis counseling services to students throughout the week. These resources are readily available at the ECU Center for Counseling and Student Development in Umstead Hall, providing a crucial support system for those grappling with the impact of the ecu students car crash. For immediate assistance, students can contact 252-328-6661 and select option “2” to speak with a crisis counselor.
South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the ecu students car crash. Details surrounding the circumstances leading to this tragic event are still under investigation.
Funeral services for Shea Crothers are scheduled for this Thursday at the Brunswick Memorial Home in East Brunswick, New Jersey, allowing family and friends to gather and remember her life. Arrangements for James Stanley are still being finalized, and updates will be shared as they become available.
Chancellor Cecil Staton conveyed the university’s profound grief, stating, “There are no words to adequately express the immense sadness we are experiencing today. This is truly devastating news, and we urge all Pirates to unite and hold these students and their families close in their thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.”
Dr. Virginia Hardy, vice chancellor for student affairs, emphasized the university’s unwavering support, “The full breadth of our staff and resources are available to our students, faculty, and staff. Crisis counselors, the Dean of Students Office, the Division of Student Affairs, and the entire ECU community are here to support our students through this tragedy.”
The Orangeburg County Coroner identified the deceased ECU students as 20-year-old Shea Crothers from New Jersey and 18-year-old James Stanley from Sneads Ferry. The ecu students car crash occurred on U.S. Highway 15 near Theater Drive, approximately three miles west of Holly Hill.
Trooper 1st Class Tyler Tidwell of the Highway Patrol reported that a 2016 Honda coupe, carrying the ECU students, was traveling south on Highway 15 when it collided head-on with a 1999 Acura Sedan traveling north. The driver of the Acura has been identified as Walter Lee Prezzy Jr., 51 of Holly Hill, who also tragically died in the ecu students car crash.
The investigation into this devastating ecu students car crash is ongoing, as the community comes together to mourn the lives lost and support those affected by this tragedy. East Carolina University remains committed to providing support and resources to its students and staff during this period of immense grief.
