Retired Lexington Firefighter, Teen Killed in Tragic Kyzer Rd Crash

Lexington, S.C. – In a tragic incident, a retired Lexington County firefighter along with a high school student died in a fatal crash on Kyzer Road. This fatal accident took place around 10 PM on Tuesday and has left the entire county in a state of shock.

The Incident

According to officials, 63-year-old Kevin Collins, a retired Lexington County firefighter, and 17-year-old James Ely, a student of White Knoll High School, were the victims in this unfortunate event. Collins was returning home after visiting his mailbox, located across the road, when Ely, driving a motorcycle, hit him. Sources close to Ely’s family mentioned there was another person riding on the back of the motorcycle, who has recorded only minor injuries.

Despite wearing a helmet, Ely could not survive the crash. Both Ely and Collins were pronounced dead at the scene. As of now, South Carolina’s highway patrol is investigating the crash.

Reactions from the Community

The deadly crash has sent shock waves throughout the community. Collins’s neighbor Chris Harrington mentioned that the neighborhood was caught off guard by the incident. Remembering Collins, Harrington said, “He was a very nice gentleman, he was very talkative, and he loved to tell you about his firefighter career which was really cool to listen to.”

Expressing his surprise and confusion, Harrington recalled, “Ambulances, firetrucks, cops lined up as far as right to almost in front of my house and you can’t see anything, nobody’s saying anything. All of us as a collective, my neighbors next to me, across from me, were all kind of like ‘what’s going on’.”

Remembering the Deceased

Collins spent his life serving the Lexington County as a firefighter. His numerous acts of bravery and public service were well acknowledged by his peers and the community. The staff and students of White Knoll High School, where Ely was a student, are mourning the tragic loss of a promising young life.

As investigation continues, the community holds tight, mourning the loss while waiting for answers. The incident serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of road safety and how a single moment can lead to devastating consequences. This incident has, indeed, left a void in the Lexington community.