The East Carolina University (ECU) community is in mourning following a devastating head-on collision in South Carolina that tragically claimed the lives of two ECU students and left two others injured. The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon in Holly Hill, South Carolina, has sent shockwaves through the university and surrounding community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support for the families and friends affected.
According to reports from authorities, the fatal South Carolina car accident involved four ECU students. Sadly, 20-year-old Shea Crothers, a cherished member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, and 18-year-old James Stanley, affiliated with Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, were pronounced dead at the scene. In addition to the heartbreaking loss of these two young lives, two other ECU students sustained injuries in the crash and are currently receiving medical care. The driver of the second vehicle involved in the South Carolina car accident also tragically perished in the collision.
John Mountz, ECU Director of Greek Life, expressed the profound sorrow felt across the university. “We’re all deeply saddened by the loss of our students,” Mountz stated. “Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We are also fervently hoping for the swift and full recovery of the students who were injured. As a university community, we are committed to providing comprehensive support to all those impacted by this tragedy.”
In the wake of this South Carolina car accident involving ECU students, East Carolina University has mobilized its resources to support grieving students, faculty, and staff. Crisis counseling services are being offered throughout the week at the ECU Center for Counseling and Student Development located in Umstead Hall. This crucial support system is designed to help individuals cope with the emotional distress and trauma resulting from this tragic event. For those needing immediate assistance over the weekend, a crisis counselor was available through a dedicated contact number, ensuring that support was accessible around the clock.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the car accident. At this stage, no definitive details regarding the circumstances leading to the head-on collision have been released. The focus remains on providing support to the affected families and the wider ECU community as they navigate this period of immense grief.
Funeral arrangements for Shea Crothers have been announced, with services scheduled for Thursday at the Brunswick Memorial Home in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Details regarding funeral arrangements for James Stanley are forthcoming, as the community continues to rally around his family and friends.
Chancellor Cecil Staton conveyed the university’s collective grief, stating, “There are no words to adequately express the depth of sadness we feel today. This tragic car accident in South Carolina is devastating news, and we implore all Pirates to unite in support and prayer for these students and their families during this unimaginable time.”
Dr. Virginia Hardy, vice chancellor for student affairs, reinforced the university’s commitment to supporting its community. “The full range of our staff and resources are available to students, faculty, and staff on our campus,” Dr. Hardy emphasized. “We have crisis counselors, the Dean of Students Office, the Division of Student Affairs, and the entire ECU community prepared to assist our students through this heartbreaking tragedy.”
The Orangeburg County Coroner has identified the deceased ECU students as 20-year-old Shea Crothers from New Jersey and 18-year-old James Stanley from Sneads Ferry. The car accident occurred on U.S. Highway 15 near Theater Drive, approximately three miles west of Holly Hill. According to Trooper 1st Class Tyler Tidwell of the Highway Patrol, a 2016 Honda coupe traveling south on Highway 15 collided head-on with a 1999 Acura Sedan traveling north. Walter Lee Prezzy Jr., 51, of Holly Hill, the driver of the Acura, also tragically lost his life in the crash.
As the investigation into this South Carolina car accident involving ECU students continues, the East Carolina University community stands united in grief and remembrance of Shea Crothers and James Stanley, while also extending their thoughts and prayers for the recovery of the injured students and the families of all those affected by this profound loss. The university urges anyone in need of support to reach out to the available crisis counseling services during this difficult time.
