East Carolina University (ECU) is in mourning following a tragic head-on collision in South Carolina that claimed the lives of two of its students. The university community is also rallying in support of two other students who sustained injuries in the same devastating crash.
The fatal accident occurred on Friday afternoon in Holly Hill, South Carolina. Authorities have confirmed that 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, tragically passed away in the incident. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the head-on collision also died 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,” Mountz stated. “Our thoughts are with the students who are recovering, and ECU is committed to providing full support to all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
In the wake of this tragedy, ECU has made crisis counseling services readily available to students throughout the week. The university is encouraging any student in need of support to utilize these resources.
While the South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash, details surrounding the incident are still emerging.
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 yet to be announced.
The university released an official statement expressing their grief and commitment to supporting the ECU family. Chancellor Cecil Staton conveyed the depth of the university’s sorrow, stating, “There are no words to adequately express the immense sadness we are experiencing today. This news is truly devastating, and we implore all Pirates to unite in holding these students and their families close in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Dr. Virginia Hardy, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, emphasized the comprehensive support network available to the ECU community. “The full extent of our staff and resources are available to support our students, faculty, and staff,” Dr. Hardy affirmed. “Crisis counselors, along with representatives from the Dean of Students Office, the Division of Student Affairs, and the broader ECU community, are prepared to assist students through this tragic period.”
Students seeking crisis counseling services can access support at the ECU Center for Counseling and Student Development located in Umstead Hall throughout the week. For immediate assistance over the weekend, students were directed 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 Shea Crothers, 20, from New Jersey, and James Stanley, 18, from Sneads Ferry. They were both occupants of a Honda coupe involved in the collision.
According to reports from Trooper 1st Class Tyler Tidwell of the Highway Patrol, the two-vehicle crash took place on U.S. Highway 15 near Theater Drive, approximately three miles west of Holly Hill. The collision involved a 2016 Honda coupe traveling south on Highway 15 and a 1999 Acura Sedan heading north.
Tragically, Walter Lee Prezzy Jr., 51, of Holly Hill, the driver of the Acura Sedan, also lost his life in the accident. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is actively conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances leading to this fatal crash.
