The East Carolina University (ECU) community is in deep mourning following a devastating head-on collision in South Carolina that tragically killed two ECU students. The university is also providing support and prayers for two other students who sustained injuries in the same car accident.
The fatal car crash, which occurred on Friday afternoon in Holly Hill, South Carolina, resulted in the deaths of 20-year-old Shea Crothers, a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, and 18-year-old James Stanley, affiliated with the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Alongside these two ECU students killed in the car accident, the driver of the second vehicle involved also perished in the collision.
News of the Ecu Student Killed Car Accident has sent shockwaves through the ECU campus. John Mountz, ECU Director of Greek Life, expressed the collective grief, stating, “We’re all saddened by the loss of our students. 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.”
In the wake of this tragedy, ECU has mobilized resources to support its grieving student body. Crisis counseling services are being offered to students throughout the week at the ECU Center for Counseling and Student Development located in Umstead Hall. For those needing immediate assistance, crisis counselors are available over the weekend by calling 252-328-6661 and selecting option “2”. This swift response underscores the university’s commitment to the well-being of its students during this incredibly difficult time.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating 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 ECU students, was traveling south on Highway 15 when it collided with a 1999 Acura Sedan traveling north.
The Orangeburg County Coroner has identified the deceased as Shea Crothers of New Jersey and James Stanley of Sneads Ferry, both ECU students who were occupants of the Honda. The driver of the Acura Sedan has been identified as Walter Lee Prezzy Jr., 51, of Holly Hill, who also died in the accident.
Funeral services for Shea Crothers are scheduled for this Thursday at the Brunswick Memorial Home in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Information regarding funeral arrangements for James Stanley is not yet available.
Chancellor Cecil Staton conveyed the university’s profound sorrow, stating, “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. Virginia Hardy, vice chancellor for student affairs, reassured the ECU community that comprehensive support is in place: “The full breadth of our staff and resources will be available to the students, faculty and staff on our campus. We will have crisis counselors as well as members of the Dean of Students Office, the Division of Student Affairs and ECU’s entire community ready to assist our students through this tragic time.”
As the investigation into the ecu student killed car accident continues, the ECU community unites in grief and support, remembering Shea Crothers and James Stanley, and extending heartfelt condolences to their families and friends. The university urges anyone affected by this tragedy to utilize the available crisis counseling services during this period of mourning and healing.
