Restore JD's Truck and Peace of Mind

Two weeks ago Sunday evening (11/3/24) after JD got off work with his dad he and his girlfriend went to dinner at Pedro’s in Swansea then was headed towards Walmart in West Columbia on I-26 about 7:40ish. At 7:47 I missed his called and tried to call back immediately, but he had already called his sister and when she came around the corner with the phone on speaker it was the most awful experience as parents. Horrible. Beyond our biggest fears coming true. And we weren’t there with him. It’s an awful situation. My husband goes to the scene and I stay with my daughter. We stay on the phone with my son so we’re hearing everything. Like something out of a movie.

A pedestrian, 68 year old man, walked out in front of my son’s truck and took his own life at the expense of a 17 year old child. His girlfriend is 16. And what they experienced and witnessed is beyond my imagination. They were driving in the middle lane on a three lane interstate. My son’s truck that he bought with his own money is totaled. They have minor injuries and will be ok physically. It’s the mental part we worry about after witnessing such a horrible situation.

The SCHP and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department have been wonderful and so compassionate towards our son. Lexington County Victims Advocate is involved. She’s been great and working to get them some counseling. The people who witnessed it and stopped and helped were so worried for JD and his girlfriend. Everyone has been wonderful. They are surrounded by a great support system. There were multiple calls into dispatch that evening in reference to a man walking in the lanes on the interstate. When the officer called my husband again he said that the pedestrians family told them he had been suffering his whole life and they’ve been waiting for something to happen. This was no accident on his part. Sad situation for all.

We are very blessed to have JD and his girlfriend home and well. That is our main concern at this moment. This didn’t have to affect our son. All of our lives too. Mentally, physically, emotionally, financially… all the things. But we have our son and he will be ok. We all will get past this.

JD’s truck was picked up last Wednesday (11/13/24) and taken to the mechanic shop. Praying the damage isn’t as bad as it looks. still waiting on a quote on repairs. Fund will be used toward repairs, parts we’ve already purchased, tow bills, etc.

Thank you for all the prayers. They most definitely have kept us lifted in a time it’s hard to not question why my child

*We don’t have a lot of photos of the truck unfortunately due to the circumstances.