School district grieves loss of 3 students following fiery interstate crash

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. – A school district is grieving the loss of three students who died in a fiery crash Saturday night.

“Ashton, Jaicurious, and Jalecia were all loving students with infectious smiles,” Spartanburg School District said in a Facebook post. The students were siblings.

“May the memories of our precious students live on forever,” the district said.

Tragic Accident Claims Lives

The heartbreaking incident occurred when a car hauler collided with the vehicle the students were traveling in along I-26 and SC 292 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. The crash resulted in the tragic deaths of five individuals, including the three students, aged 14, 11, and 8, and two adults.

The fifth victim in the car has been identified as 35-year-old Ashia Ballenger. Authorities are working to confirm the identity of the remaining victim, believed to be 57-year-old Leroy Covington, through DNA testing.

Community Mourns the Loss

The news of the students’ untimely deaths has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving families, friends, and classmates in mourning. The Spartanburg School District is providing support and counseling services to help students and staff cope with the devastating loss.

The district has also urged parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s emotional well-being during this difficult time and to reach out for assistance if needed.

Remembering the Students

Ashton, Jaicurious, and Jalecia are being remembered for their vibrant personalities, kind hearts, and bright spirits. They had touched the lives of many within the school community and beyond.

Messages of love, support, and condolences have poured in for the students’ families, expressing sympathy and solidarity during this period of grief.

Continued Investigation

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragic crash, working to determine the cause of the accident and any contributing factors. The safety and well-being of road users remain a top priority as efforts are made to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Support and Unity

The Spartanburg community has come together in solidarity to offer comfort, support, and strength to those affected by the loss of the three students and their companions. Acts of kindness, compassion, and unity serve as reminders of the resilience and solidarity of the community during times of adversity.

Memorial and Remembrance

A memorial service honoring the lives of Ashton, Jaicurious, Jalecia, and the other victims will be held in the coming days, providing an opportunity for families, friends, and the community to come together to celebrate their lives, share memories, and find solace in each other’s presence.

The impact of this tragic event will be felt deeply throughout the Spartanburg community, but the outpouring of support and solidarity serves as a beacon of hope and strength during this dark time.

Continuing to Honor their Memory

As the community grieves the loss of three precious students, the Spartanburg School District remains committed to honoring their memory, preserving their legacies, and supporting all those affected by the tragic accident.

Together, the community will stand strong, united in remembrance, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.