Tragic Road Accident Takes Lives of High School Senior and Retired Fireman Near Lexington

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.


Author: HERE Lexington

HERE Lexington

Recent Posts

How Can You Use Behavioral Retargeting to Re-Engage Your Digital Marketing Audience?

How Can You Use Behavioral Retargeting to Re-Engage Your Digital Marketing Audience? Introduction to Behavioral…

10 hours ago

Clemson and South Carolina Set for High-Stakes Showdown in Iconic Rivalry Matchup

Clemson and South Carolina Rivalry Heats Up Ahead of Showdown Columbia, SC — The anticipation…

15 hours ago

Columbia Man Stabbed at Gas Station, Hospitalized Amid Ongoing Investigation

Columbia Man Hospitalized After Gas Station Stabbing Columbia, South Carolina - A man was hospitalized…

17 hours ago

Concerns Rise as Maine Contracts with Troubled Psychiatric Facility Amid Bankruptcy

Concerns Rise as Maine Contracts with Troubled Psychiatric Facility Amid Bankruptcy Augusta, Maine - The…

17 hours ago

Community Unites to Build Hopeful “Survival Sheds” for Hurricane Helene Survivors

Community Banding Together to Build Hopeful “Survival Sheds” for Hurricane Helene Victims LEXINGTON, S.C. —…

18 hours ago