In a deeply heartbreaking incident, a 13-year-old girl lost her life early this morning following a tragic single-vehicle accident in the Lamar area of Darlington County. The crash took place around 7:55 a.m. on Bay Branch Road, as the young girl was being driven to school.
According to Darlington County Coroner J. Todd Hardee, the fatal accident occurred in the 700 block of Bay Branch Road. Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle’s driver, a relative of the child, lost control of the vehicle, overcorrected, and struck a tree. The impact of the collision was severe, and the young girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, who sustained serious injuries, was airlifted to a medical facility for emergency treatment. Authorities have not yet released the driver’s name, but it has been confirmed that they are a family member of the deceased.
The incident has shaken the local community, leaving classmates, teachers, and neighbors in mourning. Many have taken to social media to share condolences and express their sorrow at the devastating loss of a young life with so much promise.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Darlington County Coroner’s Office are jointly conducting a thorough investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash. As the investigation continues, officials have asked for privacy and respect for the grieving family.
This tragic loss serves as a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be and the importance of road safety, especially during routine daily activities such as school commutes. Further updates, including any memorial arrangements, are expected in the coming days.
Our hearts go out to the family and all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy.