Tragic Accident Near Lexington Claims Lives of High School Senior, Retired Fireman
James Leonard Ely III, a 17-year-old senior at White Knoll high school, and retired fireman Kevin Scott Collins, 63, lost their lives in a road accident near Lexington, South Carolina. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Kyzer Road.
The Incident
According to Margaret Fisher, the Lexington County Coroner, Collins had been crossing the road after checking his mailbox when he was struck by Ely, who was traveling west on a motorcycle. Both individuals succumbed to their injuries on the scene. Ely was wearing a helmet at the incident but failed to survive his injuries.
A passenger riding with Ely on the motorcycle was injured but survived, sustaining minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Community in Grief
White Knoll High School and the larger Lexington community are rallying to support the Ely family, as well as the grieving students and staff. In a statement, school officials detailed plans for grief counseling support and extra care for students and faculty.
Residents of the quiet neighborhood where Collins lived expressed their shock and sadness over the sudden loss. “By God, a grown person going to check his mail that’s all he was doing”, shared Kenny Miles, a neighbor.
Another neighborhood resident, Chris Harrington, was deeply upset by the tragedy, “It’s unfortunate, they both had to end in such a tragic way. A young child, 17 years old that should not happen to him, nor should it happen to a gentlemen that is in his retirement, it’s sad either way.”
Investigations Underway
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner are currently investigating the incident. As the community copes with this tragic event, the emphasis now is on ensuring the well-being of students and family members.
Road safety awareness and appropriate precautionary measures are being reinforced in light of this incident to prevent repeat accidents from occurring in the future.
