Second child dies after car accident in Sumter County

SUMTER COUNTY, SC (WIS) – Two children were struck and killed in a series of crashes Sunday morning in Sumter County.

Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker identified the two children as 12-year-old Basir Wells and 15-year-old Marvin Butler.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), the accident occurred around 6 a.m. on Britton Road near Excitement Lane.

According to SCHP, Butler was struck and killed on Britton Road by a 2014 Dodge pickup truck traveling westbound.

Troopers then said Wells was struck by a 2020 GMC Sierra that was traveling east on Britton Road. Baker said he was taken to Prisma Health Richland for treatment of his injuries before he died Tuesday.

To clarify, authorities said the two children were struck by different vehicles but in the same location.

According to the coroner's office, both boys were struck while walking. Baker also said two other pedestrians were walking with the boys and were there at the time of the accident.

Police said no charges have been filed and the case remains under investigation.

According to a member of the Sumter County School Board, Wells was a student at Chestnut Oaks Middle School. Butler was a student at Crestwood High School.

In response to Butler's death, the district shared the following statement with WIS:

“The Sumter School District mourns the loss of a Crestwood High School student. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with his family at this very difficult time. A tragedy like this has a significant impact on both our students and our staff. The Sumter School District is sensitive to the emotional needs of our school family, and our crisis support team is available to assist anyone at Crestwood High School who needs help coping with this tragic loss.”

An autopsy for Wells is scheduled for Friday at the Medical University of Charleston.

An autopsy for Butler is scheduled for next week.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.

Feel more informed, prepared and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our Email newsletterAnd Download our apps. Do you have any feedback that can help us improve? Click here.

Copyright 2024 WIS. All rights reserved.