Community Reacts to Unexpected Death of White Knoll HS Student

Alexis Frazier

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)- A White Knoll sophomore who was committed to USC baseball team died from an illness on Tuesday.

The Lexington county coroner said, 16-year-old Brett Williams died from complications related to an illness.
The news of his passing sent shock waves through the White Knoll campus.

Friends of the star athlete said Williams had an infectious personality and a God fearing spirit.

“He was very genuine, loving, and heartfelt,” Williams classmate, Isaak Savage said.

After news got out about his passing grieving classmates, teachers, and coaches sent prayers to his family.

“Lord I just ask you to just allow us to feel your peace, your hope, and your mercy God as we continue to live each and every single day to glorify you god,” Savage said in a video praying with his classmates.

University of South Carolina head baseball coach, Chad Holbrook, tweeted his condolences after the news broke about Brett’s death.

Go rest high #22

— Chad Holbrook (@cholbrook2) January 17, 2017

Coach Holbrook released this statement on Williams death Tuesday evening:

“Brett Williams was a special kid. He had all the traits coaches love to have on their teams. He had great character, a tireless work ethic, and an incredible personality that we were all drawn to. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his beautiful family and everyone in the Lexington and White Knoll community. #22 will be deeply missed.”

Northside Baptist Church in Lexington provided a room for people grieving this unexpected loss.

“It is very important to get it out of your system and talk about it,” Savage said. “I think we can move on from it and work on it as a team.”

Classmates mourning gathered in a circle after the final bell rung.

Savage was asked by the Timberwolves baseball team to do a prayer for the study body.

“They said ‘hey Isaak would you mind leading it,’ and I’m very outgoing so I said sure of course I would and I’d feel honored,” Savage said. “I give all glory to God for giving me that ability.”

With a heavy heart, Savage stood on a chair and offered words of encouragement to his emotional classmates.

“I did it for Brett, I think that those words that came out of my mouth were from God,” Savage said.

Savage said he didn’t do it for attention, he did it for the guy who is gone too soon.

“He made an impact on several students, probably about the whole school,” Savage said. “Everyone knew Brett. Brett was just one of those guys that everyone loved.”

Lexington County Coroner, Margaret Fisher, said there is no indications of foul play regarding Williams death. An autopsy will be performed on Williams Wednesday.

Categories: Local News, News, State

Related Posts