The boys were hit by different pickups along Britton Road near Excitement Lane, authorities say
SUMTER, SC, (October 27, 2024) - Two children—a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old boy—were struck and killed by two different pickup trucks in Sumter County Sunday morning, authorities said in a release.
Wells' familyBasir Wells, 12, and another boy's life was tragically cut short after being hit by two different vehicles along Britton Road in Sumter County Sunday morning, authorities said.
One of the teens, Basir Wells, succumbed to injuries at Prisma Health Richland. The other boy died at the scene.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Wells, age 12, was hit by a 2020 GMC Sierra traveling east on Britton Road near Excitement Lane. The area falls in a rural part of the county north of Brodgon. Two pedestrians who were with the boys at the time of the crash were hurt, the Highway Patrol said. Wells was a student at Chestnut Oaks Middle School. The other boy, age 15, studied at Crestwood High School.
The family members said the boys were friends and were hit in the same area at the same time.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, for 2015, South Carolina’s pedestrian fatality rate—pedestrians killed per 100,000 population—stands at 2.51, which is 1½ times higher than the rate of 1.67 deaths per 100,000 population for the entire United States.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Basir Wells may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).