A quiet stretch of Interstate 26 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, symbolizing the impact of a tragic event.
A tragic accident on February 24, 2024, on I-26 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, resulted in the deaths of five family members. The victims included Ashia Ballenger and her three young siblings, alongside their grandfather. The crash raised serious questions regarding the driver involved, who had a recent medical episode and was reportedly driving erratically. An investigation is ongoing as the community mourns this heartbreaking loss.
Spartanburg, South Carolina, is reeling from an incredibly tragic event that unfolded on February 24, 2024. In a heart-wrenching accident on Interstate 26, five beloved members of a single family lost their lives, leaving a community mourning and searching for answers.
The victims have been identified as Ashia Ballenger, 35, and her three young siblings: 14-year-old Ashton Olley, 11-year-old Jaicurious Gist, and 8-year-old Jalecia Gist. Additionally, they were joined by their grandfather, Leroy Covington, who was 57. This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through their community and beyond, as loved ones and friends come to terms with this unimaginable loss.
The incident involved a rental car driven by Dianne Lanford, who had recently experienced a serious medical episode just six days before the crash. During that earlier incident, emergency responders had to break a window to free her when she became unresponsive. This troubling backstory raises questions about Lanford’s ability to operate a vehicle safely on the day of the fatal accident.
On the ill-fated day, Lanford was reportedly driving slowly in her silver Toyota, significantly below the minimum speed limit of 45 mph. Witnesses described her driving as erratic, which further deepens the concern surrounding her state while behind the wheel. At the same time, a truck driven by Paul Herzig, who was operating a Peterbilt Model 389, collided with Lanford’s vehicle. Herzig mentioned that he did not see Lanford’s car prior to the crash, leading to a chain reaction that tragically involved the Ballenger family’s Honda.
Eyewitness reports suggest that Lanford was noted driving at a pace of only 12 mph, leading to her car being struck by Herzig’s truck. The truck driver had set his cruise control at about 72 mph, which he maintained until the collision occurred. Instead of coming to a halt, his vehicle veered into oncoming traffic following the strike on Lanford’s car. This movement contributed to the impact that claimed the lives of the Ballenger family members.
Video footage from the scene does not reveal any other moving traffic at the time of the accident, making the event even more puzzling. Authorities indicate that drugs were found in Lanford’s vehicle, including prescription oxycodone and traces of marijuana, which raises significant concerns regarding her fitness to drive that day.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, a lawsuit has been filed by Pamela Ballenger, the mother of Ashia and grandmother of the siblings. Her lawsuit names both Lanford and Herzig, as well as RW Haulers, alleging negligence in the circumstances surrounding the accident. Notably, the truck lacks modern automatic braking technology, which may have prevented the tragedy.
Interestingly, no charges have been brought against either Lanford or Herzig, which has left many in the Spartanburg community scratching their heads. Legal representatives for both parties have refrained from commenting as investigations continue.
The ongoing investigation by the S.C. Highway Patrol’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team aims to unpack the complex circumstances that led to such a catastrophic outcome. For the Ballenger family, the desire for clarity and justice is immeasurable. They hope that by uncovering the full truth, they can contribute to changes that may prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
As Spartanburg comes to grips with this tragedy, the memory of Ashia, her siblings, and their grandfather will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
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