Greenville County, South Carolina, An 8-year-old Bradley Lund once appeared in a heartwarming story involving community support. This week, South Carolina residents are mourning another tragedy, the deadly Greenville County fatal car crash of involving an 18-year-old who passed away just weeks after birthday celebrations.
According to the Greenville County Coroner, Dakari Jamal Garrett, 18, succumbed to injuries sustained in a single-vehicle crash on West Georgia Road in South Carolina on May 20. He passed away on June 1 after fighting for his life at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Details of the Deadly Crash
The incident occurred during late evening hours, and FOX Carolina News reported that no other cars were involved. It was a single-vehicle crash, and Garrett, the only occupant, suffered multiple injuries, including blunt force trauma, before being transported to the hospital.
Authorities have not identified mechanical failure, road conditions, or other causes, but officials say drug trafficking charges, influence of drugs, or distracted driving could be part of the ongoing investigation.
Community Reaction in Greenville County
Friends and family of Garrett, a recent high school graduate, expressed grief at his sudden death. One local teacher described him as a potential mentor for children with developmental challenges, including autistic child education. Memorials now line the roadside with signs, candles, and frozen items like frozen water bottles and cool water bottles left by classmates to remember his life.
Local church groups that had hosted school camp sessions, which Garrett often volunteered for, are now organizing a candlelight vigil.
Ongoing Investigation by South Carolina Highway Patrol
The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate whether road design, driver fatigue, or other external factors contributed to the deadly crash. There’s no indication yet of involvement from Purdue Pharma or any link to the opioid crisis, but officials have not ruled out the influence of drugs as a factor.
While no charges have been filed, troopers are working alongside FOX Carolina Motorcyclist teams and other investigative units.
The Highway Patrol also encourages the public to share dashcam footage or tips that might help determine the full sequence of events. Investigators are analyzing the vehicle’s black box to learn more about speed, braking, and timing, especially during key periods of time leading up to the impact.
Increase in Traffic Incidents in Counties Across the State
The crash adds to a concerning trend in traffic fatalities reported this year in Anderson County, Hamilton County, Cobb County, and Sangamon County. Authorities from these regions are evaluating how core body temperature cycle disruption due to heat and dehydration may impact driver awareness, especially during long drives.
In fact, roadside safety experts suggest keeping cool water, hot water, and frozen water bottles in vehicles during hot months to stabilize body temperature peaks and avoid mental lapses from dehydration.
Emotional Burden on the Family
The family of Garrett, who had been preparing for college, now faces immense emotional and financial burdens. Hospital bills, funeral costs, and lost future earnings are difficult realities after such a deadly crash.
His cousin, Brendan Kelly, said the family was planning a small celebration for his acceptance into a trade program for youth transitioning into adult life, which included supporting students with disabilities such as autistic child needs and Exploited Children advocacy.
Broader Issues: Opioid Crisis and Road Safety
This tragedy also brings to light the broader concerns about the opioid crisis, particularly in South Carolina. The Purdue Pharma scandal and its aftermath have left communities wary about prescription misuse and the broader implications of illegal drug smuggling across counties.
Authorities warn that dangerous drug trafficking organizations could contribute to drug-impaired driving, which remains a silent threat on South Carolina roads.
In unrelated cases, officers have also reported suspected drug trafficking charges during vehicle stops in Anderson County, and Hamilton County, raising alarms about the scope of the problem.
Data Privacy Concerns on Crash Reporting Sites
As this incident gains attention online, families accessing crash records or memorial pages may notice data-tracking prompts. Government websites now use cookies like preference cookie or third-party cookies to measure website usage, an issue many privacy advocates argue undermines users’ autonomy.
This raises the question of whether sensitive crash-related content should be exempt from behavioral tracking tools or cookie-based marketing practices.
Grief, Legal Rights, and Moving Forward
Garrett’s family is not alone. Across South Carolina, the Families of people lost in vehicle collisions struggle with unanswered questions and limited legal knowledge.
Many do not realize that South Carolina law provides the right to file a wrongful death claim if the crash resulted from another party’s negligence. These claims may offer compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of companionship
If the crash was caused by faulty vehicle parts, unsafe road conditions, or the influence of drugs, accountability is not only possible, it is necessary.
Timeline for Filing a Claim
According to South Carolina law, families typically have three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, delays in collecting evidence, accessing crash reports, or scheduling court time, sometimes referred to as decompression time, can impact the strength of a claim.
Legal professionals often recommend initiating proceedings as soon as possible to preserve details from periods of time surrounding the crash.
