Tragic Early Morning Collision in Chapin Claims Lives of Mother and Child
CHAPIN, S.C. — It was an ordinary Thursday morning, or it should have been, but in a flash, everything turned tragic on I-26 westbound near Chapin. Just before the sun started peeking over the horizon, a devastating accident unfolded that has left a community in shock. A mother and her young son lost their lives in the crash, stirring heartfelt sorrow for their family and friends.
Details of the Incident
According to reports from authorities, the collision took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. on August 29, right around mile marker 90, which is pretty close to the borders of Newberry and Lexington counties. LaRhonda Davis Gibson, aged 47, and her 23-month-old son, Ketron Menteze Gibson Jr., from Newberry, tragically lost their lives due to the injuries sustained during the crash.
In a sequence of unfortunate events, LaRhonda was behind the wheel of her 2014 Nissan sedan as she was driving westbound on I-26. It appears that she, along with the tractor-trailer ahead of her, had slowed down because of some traffic. That’s when things took a steep and dangerous turn. A pickup truck, driven by someone who evidently wasn’t paying enough attention, slammed right into the back of LaRhonda’s car. The impact forced her vehicle to collide with the rear of the tractor-trailer.
Immediate Aftermath
The scene was heartbreaking. Both LaRhonda and her young son were pronounced dead at the scene. It’s just unimaginable for a family to go through something like this. The driver of the tractor-trailer thankfully walked away without any injuries. However, the occupants of the pickup truck weren’t as lucky. They were taken to a nearby hospital to receive treatment for their injuries.
Traffic Snarled for Hours
As a result of the collision, all westbound lanes on I-26 were completely shut down for over seven hours. That’s a long time for travelers trying to get through. It wasn’t until around 10:15 a.m. that the interstate finally reopened, allowing traffic to flow again, but not before many drivers were rerouted in the area, causing a massive frustration for countless commuters.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation unfolds, the South Carolina Highway Patrol is looking into what exactly led to this tragic incident. Was it just a momentary lapse in awareness? Were there external factors? It’s devastating to think about how quickly everything can go wrong on the road, especially in the quiet hours of the morning when you’re just hoping to get to your destination safely.
A Community in Mourning
This accident has sent ripples of grief through the community. Losing a parent and a child in such a sudden way is beyond comprehension. Friends and family members are left with emptiness and heartbreak, grieving the loss of their loved ones and trying to find sense in an event that seems so senseless.
As the days go on, folks in Chapin will surely come together to support each other and the family affected by this tragedy, which serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life. So, while we drive out there, let’s keep our attention sharp and our hearts open because you never know what someone might be going through.
