Governor’s Mansion Supervisor Killed in Overnight Crash

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Half past midnight Friday morning, a man now identified as 23 year old Shyborn Belton, driving was police say was a stolen 2011 Hyundai, was allegedly running from police on Blossom Street. Belton was allegedly trying to avoid a traffic stop by the Cayce Police Department. “When he gets to the intersection of Blossom and Huger Street, he disregarded the red light,” says Brent Kelly of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Belton then collided with a minivan being driven by Chamberlain E. Branch. “After the collision the 2003 Ford minivan traveled off the roadway on Blossom Street onto the side of the road, where it caught fire,” says Branch. Both drivers were killed. Three others were taken to the hospital. Branch was the supervisor of the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion. Friday, South Carolina’s First Family released the following statement. We are heartbroken and fell an incredible loss with Chamberlain’s passing. Everyone who knew him loved him. His smile and laugh were contagious. He was a very special part of our family, and his gentle soul, good humor and care will always be treasured memories of each of us.” Governor Haley went on to ask South Carolinian’s to pray for Branch’s wife and children. Cayce police say they later found cocaine and a stolen gun in the Hyundai. The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s MAIT team is continuing to investigate the accident.