‘Claflin Cares’ Seeks to Help Families of Crash Victims
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WOLO) – Claflin University is helping to support the families of the victims of the fatal October 13 accident on Interstate 77 through its “Claflin Cares” campaign.
The accident claimed the lives of:
Melvin Lonell Jackson Jr., 21, – Jackson was from Chester , SC, and was the restrained driver of the vehicle. The coroner says an autopsy indicated that Mr. Jackson died from multiple trauma to his body.
Darrell Renard Pendergrass, 21 ,- Pendergrass was from Society Hill, SC, was a restrained front seat passenger in the vehicle. An autopsy indicated that Mr. Pendergrass died from multiple trauma to his body.
Keeron Q. McElveen, 18, – McElveen was from Kingstree, SC, was an unrestrained rear seat passenger and was ejected from the vehicle. An autopsy indicated that Mr. McElveen died from multiple trauma to his body.
Jamarius Kel’Shawn Bruce, 19, – Bruce was from Darlington, SC. He was an unrestrained rear seat passenger and also was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported by Richland County EMS to Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital where was taken immediately into surgery, but died later in the evening. An autopsy indicated that Mr. Bruce died from multiple trauma to his body.
The four were riding along I-77 when the driver of the Ford SUV lost control of the vehicle at the 23-mile marker near the Killian Road exit and crossed the median into the oncoming northbound traffic. It was struck by a Toyota SUV.
A fifth student, Gernardo Cato, a freshman from Goose Creek, has been released from the hospital.
You can also mail your donation to Claflin University, Attn: Institutional Advancement, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Make payable to Claflin University and please write in the memo section of your check “Claflin Cares.” Also note in the memo section which family you like to donate to.
For more information, please call the Office of Major & Planned Gifts at (803) 535-5238.
Connect with the writer on Twitter and Facebook.
To get alerts for breaking news, download the ABC Columbia News App for iPhone or Android.
