East Carolina University (ECU) is in mourning following a devastating head-on collision in South Carolina that claimed the lives of two students. The ECU community is also rallying in support of two other students who sustained injuries in the same tragic Ecu Student Car Crash.
The fatal incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Holly Hill, South Carolina, and involved four ECU students. Authorities have identified the deceased as 20-year-old Shea Crothers, a cherished member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, and 18-year-old James Stanley, a brother of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Tragically, the driver of the other vehicle involved in the ecu student car crash also perished at the scene.
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. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of Shea and James during this incredibly difficult time. We are also keeping the injured students in our prayers and wishing them a swift recovery. The university is committed to providing comprehensive support to all students affected by this tragedy.”
In the wake of the ecu student car crash, ECU has made crisis counseling services readily available to students throughout the week. This vital support system is in place to help students cope with the emotional impact of this loss and navigate their grief.
South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the ecu student car crash. Details surrounding the circumstances leading to the collision are still under investigation, and further information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Funeral services for Shea Crothers are scheduled for this Thursday at the Brunswick Memorial Home in East Brunswick, New Jersey, providing an opportunity for 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 collective heartbreak, stating, “There are no words to adequately express the depth of sadness we feel today. This tragic ecu student car crash has deeply affected our entire university family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of Shea and James and offer our unwavering support to the injured students and their loved ones. We urge all Pirates to come together to support each other during this period of immense grief.”
Dr. Virginia Hardy, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting students, faculty, and staff during this challenging time. “The full resources of our staff and support services are available to the ECU community. Crisis counselors are accessible through the ECU Center for Counseling and Student Development in Umstead Hall. For immediate support over the weekend, students were encouraged to contact 252-328-6661 and select option ‘2’ to connect with a crisis counselor.”
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, North Carolina. Both were occupants of a Honda coupe involved in the ecu student car crash.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the two-vehicle collision occurred on U.S. Highway 15 near Theater Drive, approximately three miles west of Holly Hill. Trooper 1st Class Tyler Tidwell stated that a 2016 Honda coupe traveling south on Highway 15 collided head-on with a 1999 Acura Sedan traveling north.
The driver of the Acura Sedan, identified as Walter Lee Prezzy Jr., 51, of Holly Hill, also tragically lost his life in the ecu student car crash. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this devastating accident is ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this profound loss for the ECU community and beyond.
