Nephew of Columbia Fire Chief Dies in DUI Crash

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — Three-year-old Josiah Caden Jenkins, great-nephew of Columbia/Richland fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins, has died from injuries sustained when the child and his mother were hit by a drunk driver Friday night. Officials say this tragically shows that no family is immune to drunk drivers. The child was critically wounded and hospitalized since Friday when high safety officials say the crash occurred around 10:00pm. Chief Jenkins says Josiah’s mother was taking her son out Friday night to celebrate recognition he’d received from his school earlier that day for being an outstanding student of the week. While in route to pick up pizza, Jenkins says the vehicle the boy and his mother were riding in was struck by 45-year-old Lonnie Gross, III. The wreck happened on North Springs Roadaround 10:00PM near the intersection of Ridgepoint. Authorities say this is not the first time Gross has been arrested due to driving under the influence. South Carolina Troopers tell ABC Columbia News that at the time of the crash, he was driving with a suspended license, resulting from a November DUI arrest. According to records from SLED, Gross has had four previous DUI convictions. While Jenkins says he has no malice in his heart for the suspect, after learning of Gross’s prior DUI arrests, dating back to 1993, he attended bond court asking a judge to deny bond. The Richland County coroner urges all to ask their legislators to pass legislation that will keep repeat offenders off of the road. Tuesday afternoon, Chief Jenkins issued the following statement: “It is with deep sadness that I report the passing of my grand nephew Josiah Jenkins. Josiah passed away this morning with family and God at his side. I would like to thank everyone that has offered their support and prayers for Josiah and our family during the last four days and ask that you keep our family in your prayers today and in the days to come as we grieve the loss of such a wonderful boy who was taken from this world at such a young age. The family would also like to thank members of the Columbia Fire Department, Richland County EMS and South Carolina Highway Patrol for their professionalism, as well as the doctors and staff at Palmetto Health Children‘s Hospital for their exceptional care during this difficult time. Any questions are to be directed to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts or the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Leevy‘s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.”