The East Carolina University (ECU) community is in deep mourning following a fatal car crash in South Carolina that claimed the lives of two ECU students. The head-on collision, which occurred on Friday afternoon in Holly Hill, South Carolina, involved four ECU students and has left the university and its student body in shock and grief. In addition to the two fatalities, two other ECU students sustained serious injuries in the South Carolina car crash.
The devastating incident involved Shea Crothers, 20, a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, and James Stanley, 18, of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Both students tragically passed away at the scene of the accident. The crash also resulted in the death of the driver of the second vehicle, further compounding the tragedy. University officials are providing support and resources to the ECU community as they grapple with this immense loss.
John Mountz, ECU Director of Greek Life, expressed the profound sadness felt across the university. “We’re all saddened by the loss of our students,” Mountz stated. “We’re very hopeful for the students who are recovering, and again, as a university, we’re going to do everything we can to support them.” The university is prioritizing the well-being of its students and is offering comprehensive crisis counseling services throughout the week to help students cope with the emotional impact of this South Carolina car crash.
South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers are currently investigating the cause of the fatal collision. Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash are still under investigation and authorities have not yet released information regarding what led to the head-on impact on U.S. Highway 15 near Theater Drive, close to Holly Hill. The focus remains on supporting the families of the deceased and injured students, and the ECU community is rallying to provide comfort and solidarity during this difficult time.
Funeral services for Shea Crothers are scheduled for this Thursday at the Brunswick Memorial Home in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Arrangements for James Stanley are still pending and will be announced as soon as they are finalized. The university community is expected to come together to remember and honor the lives of Shea and James, who were tragically lost in this South Carolina car crash.
Earlier statements from ECU officials, including Chancellor Cecil Staton and Dr. Virginia Hardy, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, conveyed the university’s deep sorrow and commitment to supporting students. Chancellor Staton stated, “There are no words to express the amount of sadness we are feeling today. This is truly devastating news, and we ask that all Pirates come together and join me in holding these students and their families deeply in our hearts and prayers during this unspeakable time.” Dr. Hardy emphasized the availability of crisis counseling and support services, ensuring that “The full breadth of our staff and resources will be available to the students, faculty and staff on our campus.”
The Orangeburg County Coroner identified the deceased ECU students as Shea Crothers, 20, from New Jersey, and James Stanley, 18, from Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. They were traveling in a 2016 Honda coupe when the head-on collision occurred with a 1999 Acura sedan. The driver of the Acura sedan, Walter Lee Prezzy Jr., 51, of Holly Hill, also died in the crash.
Trooper 1st Class Tyler Tidwell of the Highway Patrol reported that the accident happened on U.S. Highway 15, approximately three miles west of Holly Hill. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the factors contributing to this tragic South Carolina car crash and provide answers to the grieving families and the concerned ECU community. As the investigation progresses and funeral arrangements are made, the ECU family continues to offer support and remember the lives lost too soon in this devastating event.
