East Carolina University (ECU) is in deep mourning following the tragic deaths of two students in a head-on collision in South Carolina. The university community is also extending prayers for two other students who sustained injuries in the same devastating car crash.
The fatal incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Holly Hill, South Carolina, claiming the lives of 20-year-old Shea Crothers, a cherished member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, and 18-year-old James Stanley, a brother of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Alongside these Ecu Students Killed In Car Crash, the driver of the second vehicle involved also tragically lost their life.
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 are with the students who are recovering, and the entire university is committed to providing unwavering support to them and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, ECU is providing comprehensive crisis counseling services throughout the week. These services are readily available to students seeking support during this difficult time of grief and loss.
South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the car crash that resulted in the deaths of the ECU students. Details surrounding the collision are still under investigation as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
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 pay their respects. Arrangements for James Stanley are still pending, and information will be shared as it becomes available.
University Statement on Tragic Accident
Earlier reports from Friday night detailed the accident, with ECU officially releasing a statement expressing their profound sadness at the loss of members of their East Carolina University family.
“We are deeply saddened this morning to share news of the loss of members of our East Carolina University family,” the university stated. “On Friday afternoon, four ECU students were involved in a serious vehicle accident in South Carolina.”
The university confirmed the devastating outcome: “Two students died and two students were seriously injured in the crash and are in the hospital. All four students are members of ECU’s fraternity and sorority community.”
Chancellor Cecil Staton conveyed the university’s collective grief, 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.”
ECU has pledged to provide ongoing support and resources to the university community as they navigate this tragedy. “The full breadth of our staff and resources will be available to the students, faculty and staff on our campus,” affirmed Dr. Virginia Hardy, vice chancellor for student affairs. “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.”
Crisis counseling services are accessible throughout the week at the ECU Center for Counseling and Student Development in Umstead Hall. For immediate support 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 ECU students killed in the car crash as 20-year-old Shea Crothers from New Jersey and 18-year-old James Stanley from Sneads Ferry.
The Highway Patrol report detailed the two-vehicle collision occurring on U.S. Highway 15 near Theater Drive, approximately three miles west of Holly Hill.
Trooper 1st Class Tyler Tidwell explained that a 2016 Honda coupe traveling south on Highway 15 collided with a 1999 Acura Sedan traveling north. Tragically, the driver of the Acura also perished in the accident, alongside the two ECU students.
The investigation into this heartrending accident remains active and ongoing, as the community grapples with the immense loss of these young lives.
