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 ECU students. The university is also providing support and prayers for two other students who sustained injuries in the same tragic incident.
The fatal car crash occurred on Friday afternoon in Holly Hill, South Carolina. Authorities have identified the deceased ECU students as 20-year-old Shea Crothers, a cherished member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, and 18-year-old James Stanley, affiliated with the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Heartbreakingly, the driver of the second vehicle involved in the collision also perished in the accident.
John Mountz, ECU Director of Greek Life, expressed the profound sorrow felt across the university community. “We’re all deeply saddened by the loss of our students,” Mountz stated. “Our thoughts are with the students who are currently recovering, and ECU is committed to providing comprehensive support to them and all those affected by this tragedy.”
In response to this devastating news, ECU has mobilized crisis counseling services to support students throughout the week. These services are readily available to help students cope with the grief and trauma resulting from this loss.
While the South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash, funeral arrangements for Shea Crothers have been announced. Services will be held this Thursday at the Brunswick Memorial Home in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Details regarding funeral arrangements for James Stanley are yet to be released.
This tragedy has deeply shaken the ECU community. Chancellor Cecil Staton conveyed the university’s collective grief, stating, “There are no words to adequately express the immense sadness we feel today. This is truly devastating news, and we implore all Pirates to unite in support and keep these students and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly painful time.”
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Image: A somber scene reflecting the ECU community’s grief over the car crash tragedy that killed two students.
Dr. Virginia Hardy, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, emphasized the university’s commitment to providing extensive support. “The full range of our staff and resources are available to assist students, faculty, and staff during this difficult time,” Dr. Hardy stated. “Crisis counselors, along with representatives from the Dean of Students Office and the wider Division of Student Affairs, are prepared to offer support and guidance to our community as we navigate this tragedy.”
Crisis counseling services are accessible throughout the coming week at the ECU Center for Counseling and Student Development, located in Umstead Hall. Students needing immediate support over the weekend were urged to contact 252-328-6661 and select option “2” to connect with a crisis counselor.
The Orangeburg County Coroner confirmed the identities of the ECU students who tragically passed away as 20-year-old Shea Crothers from New Jersey and 18-year-old James Stanley from Sneads Ferry. Both were occupants of a Honda vehicle involved in the head-on collision.
According to the Highway Patrol, the two-vehicle crash occurred on U.S. Highway 15 near Theater Drive, approximately three miles west of Holly Hill. Trooper 1st Class Tyler Tidwell reported that a 2016 Honda coupe traveling south on Highway 15 collided with a 1999 Acura Sedan traveling north.
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Image: Vehicle wreckage at the scene of the fatal car crash in South Carolina where two ECU students lost their lives.
Tragically, Walter Lee Prezzy Jr., 51, of Holly Hill, the driver of the Acura, also died in the crash. The ongoing investigation by the S.C. Highway Patrol seeks to determine the circumstances that led to this devastating accident. The ECU community remains united in grief and support for all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
