High School Senior and Retired Firefighter Tragically Killed in Lexington Collision

Senior Student and Former Fireman Killed in Lexington Crash

Tragedy struck Lexington, South Carolina when a fatal crash claimed the lives of a high school senior and a former local fireman. The unfortunate incident unfolded on the night of August 21, with the news leaving local residents and the deceased’s families devastated.

Devastating Accident Details

White Knoll High School senior, 17-year-old James Leonard Ely III and 63-year-old former fireman, Kevin Scott Collins were pronounced dead at the scene. According to reports, Ely was driving a motorcycle that collided with Collins. The crash took place on Kyzer Road around 10 p.m. when Collins, following checks on his mailbox, was crossing the road and got hit by Ely. Despite Ely being fully helmeted, the impact from the crash led to fatal injuries.

Aside from the two dead, an unidentified passenger on the motorcycle with Ely also sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Current updates state the passenger is with minor injuries and is set to make a full recovery.

School Grieves and Supports

The student’s school, White Knoll High School, rather than being celebratory in the new school year’s kick-off, is now mourning one of its own. The school and Lexington School District One leaders are providing full support to the deceased student’s family and others affected within the school community.

The school district published a statement confirming the presence of a group of grief counselors and school psychologists on campus, ready to lend mental and emotional support to the school community. The statement reads in part, “A loss and grief crisis response team of school counselors and school psychologists was on campus today… Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help students and families quickly find mental health options matched to your needs regardless of circumstance.”

Neighborhood mourns the incident

Residents of Kyzer road expressed sadness and shock at the news. Neighbor Kenny Miles lamented, “By God, a grown person going to check his mail – that’s all he was doing,” while another resident, Chris Harrington, stated, “I mean it’s unfortunate, they both had to end in such tragic ways. A young child, 17 years old – that should not happen to him, nor should it happen to a gentleman that is in his retirement. It’s sad either way.”

Investigations Ongoing

As of now, the South Carolina Highway Patrol alongside the Lexington County Coroner’s office is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. While investigations continue, locals and grieving families can only hope for answers, and the incident should serve as a somber reminder for all drivers to be cautious on the road.

As we share this news, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of James Leonard Ely III and Kevin Scott Collins, and to everyone touched by this tragedy.