SWU student killed in traffic accident
At around 5:15 Thursday afternoon, Oct. 3, two Southern Wesleyan freshmen were in an accident on I-85 near the South Carolina/North Carolina state line as they were heading home to Delaware for fall break.
Krystal Brooke Pearce died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. A passenger in the vehicle sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Dr. Joe Brockinton, vice president for student life, was notified by the Cherokee County coroner at around 11:30 p.m. Thursday that Pearce’s parents had been contacted. After meeting with officials from the Student Life and Residence Life departments, then individual meetings with roommates and friends, resident directors and resident assistants conducted all-building meetings in the residence halls and apartments on the university’s campus in Central. Brockinton then sent out an email to notify university employees and students of the accident. The university gathered at 10 a.m. Oct. 4 in Newton Hobson auditorium to pray, read scripture and give support to each other during this difficult time.
Being a small, close-knit campus community, Southern Wesleyan University keenly feels this loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends as they process this tragic event.