Posted by grannyofsix on June 16, 2008 at 5:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My prayers go out to the family of this teen. May God Bless you and keep you strong during this time

Posted by letstakeawalk on June 16, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's very fortunate that this happened out in the country and that there were no pedestrians or bicyclists around. Motorists who ignore the rules of the road kill far too many innocent victims.

Posted by someday139 on June 16, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This was my cousin and he was 16 years old. He had just started driving. This is the 2nd tragedy to hit our family in 6 weeks. Please pray for his family as this is very devastating as you can imagine.

Posted by BigSargeofSC on June 16, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, imagine that. Another teenager driving too fast, getting themselves killed and destroying other people's property as well. Get it into you heads, young ones: a steering wheel on a REAL car is not a PS3/XBOX 360 controller. There are no respawns on the real roads.

Posted by grannyofsix on June 16, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ANd what do we tell the well seasoned driver age 40 + when their peers have the same type of accident "this isnt NASCAR?" this kid was coming home from maybe his first and now last job at least he wasnt coming from a a drug deal gone bad as we see so much of lately from here as I said brfore my prayers are with the family

Posted by slmcdoug on June 16, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At least he had a license. What about all of the illegal drivers out there? Yes, he drove too fast, he died for it. Fortunately, he did not kill the other driver. Some are not so lucky and are killed by another person's actions. I'm with you Someday139, our family has been through a lot. We need prayers, not condescending remarks.

Posted by BigSargeofSC on June 16, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does coming home from work excuess his reckless actions? I don't care if he was coming home from work, a drug deal, or just hanging out at a friend's house, this teenager made a choice to drive like an idiot, taking no regard for his own life or those that he would destroy. I have three teenagers and all three have a reverant fear of what can happen by abusing a vehicle.

At least he had a license? So, what, that made him a legal destroyer of other's property?

Posted by MsPiggy on June 16, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Unfortunatly, no amount of driver training will keep kids from obeying the speed limit. It also won't keep them from wanting to re-enact a scene from Fast and the Furious. When I was in driver's ed in FL, we were required to take a mandatory drug and alcohol class. During that class, we watched a video with real life footage at scenes of accidents where drivers were drunk and/or high on drugs. That thing was GRAPHIC! Blood everywhere, limbs severed, bodies mangeled...Just thinking about it gives me the creepie crawlies. I think that video was edited, or banned from classrooms in the 1980's. I feel that video should be brought back into the classrooms, heck it is no worse that what kids go to see at the theaters. I'm not trying to say kids shouldn't be able to drive at 16, but some 16 year old boys are not mature enough to be driving. I think they need to raise the age to 17 or 18. I didn't even drive until I was 18---no permit for me, I just straight got a liscense at 18. I think its way too easy for a kid to get a permit in SC. They need more hours of supervised driving time. No amount of studying from books can teach them how to drive. You just gotta get out there and learn.

Posted by slmcdoug on June 16, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He was driving too fast for conditions, that does not necessarily constitute driving like an idiot. It's a mistake anyone can make in bad weather.

Posted by beth1070 on June 16, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My sincere condolences to the family of this teen. As a parent I can't imagine anything worse than getting that phone call that your child has just been killed in such an avoidable way.

Posted by Confuzzled on June 16, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My prayers go out to this family. It is devastating to lose any family member but losing ones child is something a parent is never prepared for. I have been there and there is absolutely nothing that will ever fill that void.

An accident is just that - an accident. The family of this teenager do not need to read nasty comments from readers. They need support from their family, friends and the community.

May God bless this family ... and may they find strength to get them through this horrible ordeal.

Posted by ColdBeer on June 16, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My daughter is 19. I hound her on a daily basis about safe driving. It drives her insane. It helps though, and that's all that matters. When I tell her that I don't want her mom to answer a phone call only to find out that her daughter is dead, it strikes home. You have to talk to teens... constantly... and you have to find a way to talk to them that they can relate too and understand. Parents should use stories like this to make their kids understand that the issues are real. It's not easy.

Posted by BigSargeofSC on June 16, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not an accident. It was reckless driving. Accidents are unavoidable. This boy could have taken his foot off of the gas pedal and slowed down. Its a terrible shame what his family has to endure because of his reckless driving. But, it is what it is, an act of recklessness.

Posted by drp7773 on June 16, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kids learn driving habits from their parents, tail gaiting, speeding, running red lights, etc . etc. etc. and I don't know any friends that didn't speed when we were 16 thru 20..Like one said show this article to your teens and stay on their butts about driving safe, and maybe while they are in your car while your driving, just maybe you take your own advise.............

Posted by grannyofsix on June 16, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is good to know that there are people in this world that can see exactly what what happened at an accident, and what the driver was doing at the time of the accident, even though they werent there at the time. And that those people are perfect drivers. This could save the tax payers money on the investigation of said accidentts.

Posted by Girleygirl on June 16, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My condelences sent to the family and friends of this child.

Posted by jca on June 16, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i was taught by a driving school that you drive 5ool a state approved one. that you drive 5 miles slower than what you would normally drive in the rain. because of less visibility and wet brakes take longer to engage and you cant see puddles on the road as easily. this one should have known that too. he was licensed and all that jazz.

my heart goes out to his family but his stupidity needs to be remembered and learned from.

take an extra 10 minutes to get home and slow down and turn down the radio and turn off the cell phone
simple things save lives

i also hope his innocent victim has a speedy recovery and get a nice new car

Posted by Jennifer on June 16, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To BigSargeofSC.

Before you can judge, condemn, or point fingers one must walk a mile in the other person's shoes. None of us are perfect drivers when we started. The tragic loss of this young man's life is not to be made fun of or to make comments about.
I'm a close friend to his family and step brothers and you have no idea what this young man has overcome and been through in his short life. I give my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. May his family find comfort in his loving memories during this time of loss and great sorrow. May God bring comfort also. He will always hold a very special place in my heart that will never be forgotten. We love and miss you dearly!!

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 16, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a terrible tragedy.My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to your family.I'm very sorry to read that your family has been going through a lot lately.I'm usually quick to quip about stuff.But ya know its easy for us to "Monday morning quarterback".I'm not gonna don the title of Captain obvious here and say this child shouldve been driving slower.Duh.This is a terrible tragedy and I'm reminded to slow down.We have almost ALL driven in a less than textbook way at least once.And I am a good driver with lots of experience.But Im not perfect and Im not gonna get on here on some high horse.This couldve been me or someone in my family.

Posted by grannyofsix on June 16, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jennifer my thoughts exactlly i know His Dad He is friends with my boys. know my prayers are with the family at this time

Posted by katrenavantassle on June 16, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Driving too fast for conditions...hum... well they use that terminology to cover all possibilities. He was probably driving too fast period...no matter the conditions. Thank God my grandchildren were not in the SUV that he ran into and that the person driving will recover. He could have killed them because of HIS driving. HE is the contributing factor in this accident. Do not excuse that fact. I do have sympathy for his family and send them my condolences but I also am angered that today's young people drive like they are part of the movie crew of "THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS" and have no concern for the innocent victims they could run into should an accident happen. Where he was coming from or going to makes no excuses for his driving too fast causing him to run off the road on the right side and to then overcorrect and hit that SUV head on on the left lane, causing his own death and splitting the pontiac into two seperate pieces indicates his inexperience as a driver and his speed was way above the legal speed limit.

Posted by katrenavantassle on June 16, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JENNIFER: THIS IS A ONLINE COMMENT SITE...ABOUT STORIES IN THE NEWS. NOT A MEMORIAL PAGE FROM THE FUNERAL HOME. NO DISRESPECT INTENDED. JUST COMMENTING ON THE ISSUES. DONT TAKE THIS PERSONAL. WE ALL HAVE SYMPATHY FOR THE FAMILIES IN THIS TYPE SITUATION. WE JUST VOICE OUR OPINIONS TO OTHERS WHICH IS WHAT THESE SITES ARE FOR.

Posted by suec on June 16, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think stories like this should even be open for comments.
There was an accident where an yong person died becuase they were driving too fast for conditions.
What is there to discuss or comment on?

Posted by cyw3261 on June 16, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To BigSargeofSC and katrenavantassle: Obviously you have never had someone taken away from you so tragically. Compassion for our fellow man is what this world should be about, but sadly is not. In this case, this was somebody's child taken away much too soon. He was a young man that will never have the opportunities that the rest of us take for granted. Open your minds to the pain that his family and the family of the other driver must be feeling right now, and leave the snid remarks out of it. You can voice an opinion without being so cold.

Posted by letstakeawalk on June 16, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As members of the community, we would be remiss if we didn't discuss this young man's tragic, yet self-inflicted, death. While his loss may be an emotional one to his friends and family, the community suffers from higher insurance rates and an increased tax burden to support the emergency responders who have to gather together the pieces of the departed. I'd refrain from commenting if the young man had committed suicide in the privacy of his own room, but he choose to do it on a public road, endangering others and very nearly destroying another innocent life.

The least we can do is try to use his death as a warning to others; maybe his crumpled car should be placed in front of his school to show his peers what can happen.

Posted by BigSargeofSC on June 16, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jennifer, I was a teenager at one time; therefore, I have walked in his shoes. I made a choice to be responsible and have some common sense about me. I made a choice to ensure I had a life ahead of me. At 17, I was a United States Army soldier. So, spare me the "walk in his shoes" speach. Been there, done it, survived it by making smart choices.

cyw3261, you assumption that I've not lost someone close to me tragically is foolish, at best. February 17, 2008, my best friend Donald Millwater was killed in a motorcycle crash. The casue? An idiot driver who pulled out in front of his bike. Donald hardly got the bike on the ground before it impacted the van and ignited in flames. The driver, an Asian male with a New York license and work visa, was only charged with failing to yield right of way and making an illegal turn.

Posted by ColdBeer on June 16, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that this is a website made specifically for comments. It is not a memorial for friends and family seeking condolences. I doubt that the friends and family involved want the story in the paper at all. Are any of you calling the P&C to protest? When I lose a loved one, I don’t log on to this sight to see what people are saying. If I lose a loved one and something can be learned that might prevent another loss of life, I sure hope people will discuss it and maybe, just maybe, another life might be saved.

Posted by katrenavantassle on June 16, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ColdBeer... 'DITTO'.........
(wondered where you were) It amazes me how many people think that this is some kind of memorial for friends and family...and yes most people don't want any of it in the paper...but that is AMERICA and FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.
I myself have had a personal experience with the P&C and some articles they wrote and I didn't want to see it in the paper either but there it was. People made comments on that article like crazy which I read and gave my opinions back on... and they ALL HAD A RIGHT TO POST THEIR OPINIONS.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Posted by gcs on June 16, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It doesn't matter how old you are!! We ALL speed!!

To drp7773 - My parents are VERY careful drivers & I drive NOTHING like them!! Sorry, but you're wrong there!!

I speed all the time!! I drive the speed that I feel comfortable driving.

BTW - If you're going slow, get your behind in the right lane!!

Posted by cyw3261 on June 16, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To:BigSargeofSC: My assumption was just that. You have lost someone so you should know how it feels. The bottom line in all of this, what happened to your friend included, is that two people died. Whether they were killed by gunfire, a tornado,or in this case, car accidents. It was a senseless act. We can no more go back and change what has happened anymore than we can see what will happen tomorrow. But what we can do is show a little compassion as I've already stated. FYI, I too lost someone years ago due to a car accident and I had the right to filled with bitter anger. But I never thought the other driver was an "idiot," as you so eloquently put it. He was just a careless, drunk driver who paid for what he did. Your friend and this young boy paid for it with their lives. Compassion...if not for him, then surely for his family who does not deserve to be hurt by comments such as yours.

Posted by Whoorutalking2 on June 16, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Someday139...You have my most heart-felt sympathy in your loss. I will pray for the family and friends of this young man.
God bless

Posted by reality_woman on June 16, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

While this ia a tragic event and I do send the family cndolences, I must say driving recklessly caused the "accident". Kids have no fear and they think that they can not get hurt. Driving too fast for conditions etc. Whatever the case may be, driving with no concern for what could happen cost this teen his life.
Slow down and enjoy life....stop being in a hurry and drive responsibly.

Posted by Cowboy on June 16, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am deeply sadden by the loss of this young man and personally know of the pain his family is going though and this pain will continue for the rest of his survivor's family and friends lives..

For the parents- Never ending guilt,loss and at times the most unbearable pain...

For his siblings- Unmentionable loss and life time memories and stories of the fun times..

For his friends - Sadly -Just a memory

I hope that everyone knows the South Carolina Highway Patrol offers FREE COUNSELING for the family members..

I am shocked and disappointed in some of the responses on this board..Though I also understand lessons can be and should be learned from in this case..But there is a time and place for everything..Is that day really today??Maybe reminders from the P/C of past instances, class room instruction..Talking about just how really dangerous driving really is..

Love is Free ...
Friendships are EARNED..
Compassion must come from the inside the mankind..

I hope the negative responders never knows the pain of losing a child.. In whatever manner it may come ..

If it hasn't happened to you -

THEN COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS...

V/R,
Mark

Posted by spd on June 16, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Im an so very sorry what happened to that young boy! that was my mother in law that he happened to run into she is doing well but is very sore and banged up...all i can say is THANK GOD that carseat in the back was Empty! ( My son and he 1st grandchild!) and thank you God for being there for her! And my prayers go out to the family who had the loss! This is only one more thing to make people realize what you have because in a split second you can loose someone and or almost loose someone who means so much to you so for EVERYONE be careful out there and SLOW down just because it's a back road doesn't give you the right to speed!

Posted by lmh123 on June 16, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't believe how many you of you think that you are perfect drivers! No one in this world is perfect and everyone makes mistakes! I live in the community of this boy and am aware of what the "conditions" were in the area at the time of the accident. This boy over corrected himself and I'm sure in his short lifetime did not have stunt man driver training, as none of the rest of us, the roadway was wet and raining. I'm sure this accident could have happened to any of us! It's very unfortuate that he had to lose his life, not for being an "idot" as someone stated, but for being a human being!

Posted by jca on June 16, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gcs slow down before you kill someone. you commented on another story about a wreck on glen mcconall your the problem slow down freak. the rest of us want to get home safely its morons like you who tail gate my husband who drives in the right lane keeps my paranoia at bay. people like you scare the daylights out of me slow your as s down their are laws and rules of the road or as i said before park your da mn car and take the bus

Posted by cyw3261 on June 16, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Cowboy. Well put.

Posted by teachergal on June 16, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this is not a memorial site

the responses of this group is indicative of the FACT all of us are getting SICK of these senseless deaths...

CB is right: talk to your kids! nag them! at least that will make a difference for some of them

very sad for the family of the victim

Posted by kab on June 16, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

my hearts goes out to the family who has lost such a young one. the woman in the explorer is my cousins mother-in-law, and i am proud to say that she is doing very well. I just don't know what to say besides THANK GOD for watching over her yesterday. she has a 16 month old grandson who she adores and it would be sad to have seen her go with him still having his whole life to live. and once again sorry for what has happened here i know it was tragic, just remember God wanted him for something better.

Posted by Tammie on June 16, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My condolences to the family of the deceased.

Posted by lowcountrylover on June 16, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SEE SUV'S SAVE LIVES!

Posted by upstate2lowcountry on June 16, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

letstakeawalk - great idea! I travel frequently to Beaufort and they always have a totalled car from a DUI wreck on the side of the road during prom season. It is so moving and scary when you see the destruction in real life... you really think twice about what you are doing. Even though this particular accident didn't have anything to do with drinking, it would still have the same effect.

Posted by emtbabe06 on June 16, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Will was a friend of my son's. He was a fun, sweet, kind young man full of promise. For those who want to sit in judgement today of his actions, it is not your right!
Only God can judge. Will never got in that car thinking let me see if I can get in a wreck today. He was a young man hurrying home from work. Was he wrong for speeding ~sure~ But, no matter what, I would never feel he, my child or anyones else's should have to die as punishment for a bad choice. May gods blessings and strength be with his family and friends in the days to come.For the others, let the anger and hatefull comments rest, it will only cause more hurt, not better decisions. Go home hug your children and TALK to them, tell them you love them and want them to be careful. Then take a moment and thank God that you have the chance to hug them, Will's parents will never have that chance again.

Posted by drp7773 on June 16, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gcs I stand by my statement, it does not matter how your parents drive, most of us learned by their habits, good or bad....

Posted by Mayor on June 16, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maniacs on two lane roads. We are the Queen of two lane roads, and everyone thinks they're Junior. That's why we lead the nation in stupid car fatalities per the old red neck capita.

WTF? This kid could have killed many people. We all could have done this on a given day. God Bless he didn't have anyone with him. I feel for the family and know they will never get over this. I can't assimilate the feelings, it's too scary.

It is obvious he was not responsible to drive. It only takes one time.

Posted by hopefay on June 16, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am sending my prayers and love to you and your Family Coop..

As for the rest of you.. I know that people make mistakes and people get careless. YOU werent there to know what REALLY happened, so why judge this young man who left this earth too soon!? People wonder why our kids today are so violent and dont care about things.. well READ what some of you have written! Cold hearted and just plain rude!!! Is this how you want your kids to be? cold hearted and rude? We try hard to get our kids now a days outta trouble and they have examples like this.. sad .. really sad.. This may not be a "memorial" page, but maybe the only way someone can send their thoughts to the family.. Comments on what happened.. sure.. but like one said earlier, there ARE ways to say it NICELY! Those of you with the rude comments can NOT sit there and tell me you have NEVER sped!!! EVERYONE at one time or another has been in a hurry to get somewhere!! So why does it have to be "oh figures another teen!?".. What if it would have been the other way around ?? The lady being the one causing the accident?? then what would your comments be? Our "teens" would be more responsible and more caring if EVERYONE in the communities would come together and support them and help them learn things, not sit back and critize them, be active in the community and come together as one.. Communities are suppose to be extended family, not enemies..

My prayers and thoughts go to the other family as well and I hope for a speedy recovery...

STOP and THINK about how you say things and how they affect people and this world would be a MUCH nicer place!

God Bless !

Posted by Coopers2798 on June 16, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

well, i have to say this to all of you sick freaks posting about how a 16 year old could have done this or coulda done that... The fact of the matter is you werent there, and you dont know what exactly happened.... Yes you have heard from a police officer that could only give you his best assumption, BigSargeofSC, you are as heartless as they come, Will was my cousin, he was a great kid, good driver, and will be missed greatly, Hopefay, and cowboy hit the nail on the head, if you have nothing but prayers for all families involved, shut it, Thank you all for your condolences

Posted by im4usc on June 16, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope the family can pray thru the pain. My heartfelt sympathy to all.

As many others have said, who knows exactly what happened?

It could be that an animal ran out in front of him, and he lost control while trying to avoid it. Who here was a witness?

I'd be willing to bet that some of the posters complaining about others' driving habits are the same people who fly by me every a.m. on I-26, then I catch up to them on the exit ramp.

Another irony with stories like these---they always have the most (negative) comments. The "feel good" stories MAY get a handful of posts. Just goes to show that most people would rather spew hate than good.

Sad.

Posted by maallissaa on June 16, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

im 17 and i never drive recklessly soem of your comments are very rude and agist you were ALL my age at one time or another and everyone has sped my prayers are with this family during these troubling times

Posted by just1reader on June 16, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let anyone who has nearly been in an accident EVER for any reason while driving not post or stop posting. Be honest and this will be the last post. Anything can happen to anyone anytime. No one is perfect. Quit laying blame and criticising. In this kind of circumstance, it does no good and does not help anyone. Pray for him and his family if you want to make a statement of some sort.

Posted by cougarpride on June 16, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this is to
letstakeawalk.

that is a horrible thing to say.
i go to Wills' school and it seems every year at the high school one of the students die and they are usually 16 to 17 years old.
this is the second person that went to the high school to die this year.
we may be from the country but many people drive by our school everyday and the last thing we want to see over the rest of the summer and when we arrive and leave school everyday of the year is one of our classmates vehicles sitting at the front of our school in pieces.
on myspace many of my friends are grieving Wills' death. just today one of my friends called me about it almost in tears.
when we get back to school in the fall, many of us will think about one of our friends that we will never see smile again, or tell a joke to, or have their shoulder to cry on. we will think about them while we sit in our class not paying attention to the lesson.
our memories of him will be a thing of the past.
his friends will never get to see his face again or give him one more hug

and it is truely a sad thought.
so before you say anything else that is horrible why dont you put yourself in our shoes, and go back to high school and hear that your friend died and walk up to your school to see that their car is a pile of twisted metal.

its not a good feeling.
so have a nice day

and the next time you "go for a walk"
i hope you dont get stuck in the rain and have to think about the horrible thing you said.

and the woman he hit was my teacher from middle school
she is a nice woman and im sure just knowing you came out of a accident like that and the young man didnt is something you would be thankful for. even if it wasnt her fault it is a sad thought to think that the other person didnt make it.
im sure she wouldnt appreciate you saying such a horrible thing considering she may have taught that young man.

Will, you will be missed.

Posted by teachergal on June 16, 2008 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tragedy can strike any of us at any time. statistics prove, though, that the younger drivers are the cause of more accidents.

I cannot imagine what the family feels.

There have just been way too many accidents in the last few months.

I hope everyone is a little more cautious. I know, however, that I have escaped my share of accidents and I am sure that some of it would have been my fault.

All of this just proves that there is NO promise for a tomorrow, so live in the moment and hug those who are so dear to you.

Posted by teachergal on June 16, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

and who knows what really happened on the road that day...other than total tragedy

Posted by Siri on June 16, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gcs you are a selfish self-serving person. Everyone speeds? I think not. I drive for a living. My income is tied to my CDL. Everyday some moron speeds around me to turn right in front of me. I do the speed limit as posted. How fast do you think 35 tons can stop? Is the 2 or 3 seconds you are saving worth my life? Are they worth depriving my girls of their mother? I'm sorry, your comfort at driving is not ok if that speed is above the posted limit. I am not doubting your ability to handle a vehicle. Laws are laws for a reason. I took both my girls and 3 of their friends out on back roads and made them run off the road just to see how it felt and how to react. Driver's ed can teach the books and simple handling. I make sure my kids know how to react and what to expect from the unexpected. I hope I have done enough and never have to go through this family's loss. Prayers for both families involved.

Posted by someday139 on June 16, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All of you who think that a 16 year old thinks the way a 40 year old does, you're the idiot's. I do refrain from reading comments on stories because there is always the handful of heartless buttheads who have hateful things to say and nothing else. God will judge YOU one day and you WILL be accountable for everything that has come from your mouth and your heart. You obviously don't believe that and that is fine. But I know it is true and that gives me peace about every hateful hurtful thing you have said about this horrific day in my family's life. You will get yours. Should he have been speeding? No. Do you know why he was. No. Was he falling asleep and maybe that is why he was speeding and ran off the road? Maybe. We don't know. We never will. But it doesn't matter why. It wouldn't be good enough for you if he had a seizure and was unconscious. You'd blame him for being unconscious. But like I said you will be judged one day. I pray you come to know the FORGIVING and saving love of Jesus before then.

Posted by letstakeawalk on June 17, 2008 at midnight (Suggest removal)

@Cougarpride:

I have been in your shoes. Like BigSarge, I have been through the trauma of losing friends. One of my best friends wore a halo for a couple years while his spine attempted to heal. My other best friends was in the car with him, and had to punch out the windshield of the wrecked car to pull David's almost lifeless, broken body out of danger. They were only a block from their home - what happened? David was speeding, and lost control of his car around a corner. He nearly died. I was driving to Columbia to visit for July 4th, we spent the whole weekend at the hospital with his family (nevermind the years of recuperation we witnessed).

Too many commenters think some of us have posted out of spite or meanness. You don't realize that I, like BigSarge, almost lost two great friends FOR THE EXACT SAME STUPID REASON: SPEEDING. Teens, I was one of them, think they are immortal, and they make bad decisions. Cougarpride, if you knew your school lost kids every year, wouldn't you encourage them to think before they make a bad decision on the road. Learn from those of us that have made the mistakes. We're not perfect, and we want ya'll to live.

BTW - I walk rain or shine. I've given tours twice during hurricane watches, and my COFC graduation occurred during a tropical storm. I've been weathered, I can handle it, thanks.

Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 17, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coopers2798 YOU ARE A PSYCHO IDIOT!!!DID YOU EVEN READ MY KIND COMMENTS?AND YOU WANNA SEND ME THREATENING MESSAGES?SAYING IT SHOULDVE BEEN ME?HOW DARE YOU!DO NOT SEND ME THREATENING MESSAGES AGAIN OR I WILL TAKE FURTHER APPROPRIATE ACTION.

Posted by gcs on June 17, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe I am selfish, but I'm a busy person & you slow people get my blood pressure up!!

Siri - I NEVER said I cut people off!! My boyfriend is a truck driver too & I know ALL about that, so DON'T even try to go there!!

I feel bad for this family & hopefully somebody will learn something from it.