School district grieves loss of 3 students following fiery crash in Spartanburg Co.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) –
Spartanburg County School District Six released a touching statement with new pictures of the three siblings who died in a fiery crash Saturday night. In a Facebook post, officials said the “District Six Family” is devastated about the tragic loss of siblings 14-year-old Ashton Olley (Dorman Freshman Campus), 11-year-old Jaicurious Gist (Fairforest Middle School), and 8-year-old Jalecia Gist (former student). Ashton, Jaicurious, and Jalecia were all loving students with infectious smiles.
Grieving Process
Underneath the students’ pictures, the District wrote: “Your impact will live on in our hearts forever.” In this time of overwhelming grief, our thoughts, prayers, and support are with the family and loved ones affected by this unimaginable loss. The impact of this tragedy is felt deeply throughout our district.
Ashton, Jaicurious, and Jalecia passed away Saturday evening when a multiple-vehicle car hauler hit the sedan they were traveling in along I-26 and SC 292. All five people inside the car died, including 35-year-old Ashia Ballenger of Campobello. The Coroner’s Office believes the fifth victim was 57-year-old Leroy Covington of Campobello, but they are still waiting on DNA results to confirm.
Condolences and Memories
Our students, teachers, and staff will never forget their vibrant personalities and the joy they brought to our classrooms. We offer our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time. No words can express the emptiness felt in our hearts. May the memories of our precious students live on forever.
Community Support
The Spartanburg community has rallied around the families and friends affected by this tragedy. Messages of support and condolences have flooded social media as the tight-knit community mourns the loss of these young lives.
Investigation Underway
The Highway Patrol is currently investigating the crash to determine the cause and any contributing factors. The entire community waits for answers, hoping to understand how such a devastating accident could have occurred.
Remembering the Victims
Ashton, Jaicurious, and Jalecia will be deeply missed by their classmates, teachers, and the entire Spartanburg County community. Their presence will forever be felt in the halls of their schools and in the hearts of all who knew them.
Final Thoughts
As the school district and community come to terms with this tragic loss, they find solace in the memories of Ashton, Jaicurious, and Jalecia. The impact of their lives will continue to inspire kindness, love, and unity among those who mourn their passing.