SIX MILE — Just days after the death of a Liberty High School teacher from injuries sustained in a horseback riding accident, tragedy once again struck the School District of Pickens County Monday night, as a 16-year-old Daniel High student was killed in a single-vehicle wreck in Six Mile.
Justin Eric Roach, 16, of Central, died following the accident, which occurred around 7 p.m. Monday evening on Ponderosa Drive near Six Mile.
Daniel principal Sharon Huff said the school had counselors on campus Tuesday morning, as well as area youth pastors and Lance Cpl. Bill Rhyne of the S.C. Highway Patrol.
“We started our day by observing a moment of silence in memory of Justin and in support of his family and his friends,” Huff said. “We are really trying to take our cues from the students by listening and trying to respond to their needs. Our teachers are very sensitive to the fact that the loss of a classmate and friend is extremely difficult for students to handle. They are making sure that students who need extra attention and support today are receiving that help.
“We extend our sympathy to Justin’s family, friends, classmates and teachers,” Huff said.
Pickens County Coroner Kandy Kelley said Roach was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from a Toyota pickup truck in the crash, dying from blunt force trauma at the scene.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Roach was a passenger in the truck’s front seat. The driver, a 15-year-old boy, was wearing a seatbelt and was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital by ambulance. A 16-year-old boy sitting in the center seat of the truck was also transported to Greenville Memorial, while a 17-year-old who was riding in the bed of the truck and was ejected in the crash was taken to Baptist Easley Hospital in another vehicle.
Troopers said the accident happened when the truck overturned, although no cause had been released at press time.
The accident is still under investigation by the SCHP and the Pickens County Coroner’s Office.