Huron High School junior killed in South Carolina crash
Posted:
Updated:
By Taryn Asher Fox 2 News Reporter
HURON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJBK) -- Around 400 people gathered outside Huron Township's Huron High School Monday night for a vigil. They lit candles and launched lanterns in memory of 16-year-old Jimmy Williams, Junior.
Jimmy, a popular high school junior and athlete, was driving to Florida with his family and two friends. All seven planned to take a cruise for the upcoming holiday. But Sunday night as they drove southbound on I-77 just outside Columbia, South Carolina, a suspected drunk driver stuck their SUV.
Kimberly Sturgill's 16-year-old son, Luke, was with the family and called his parents moments after the crash.
"He just said, 'Dad, we were in an accident. The car flipped and I can't find Jimmy.'"
Jimmy was ejected from the vehicle and died on impact. We're told his mother, Krista, and father, Jimmy Williams, Senior, a former publisher at Heritage Media, suffered severe head injuries, their young children, Kali and Caden, bruises and concussions, and another family neck injuries.
Luke, Jimmy's best friend, was somehow able to escape the crash with just a seat belt burn.
"It's heartbreaking because nothing you can do. It's so far away," Sturgill said. "He's got support from family, but it's going to take a lot. I've never had anything like this happen to me, and he, right now, would like to stay there with them."
Police say 34-year-old Ricky Deel was drunk when he collided with the SUV. He was arrested after the crash and is facing several charges.
Principal Donovan Rowe also issued the following statement. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the Williams family during this time of loss. Huron High School lost a valued member of our family. We will miss Jimmy and we will honor his memory as a great student, a loving son, a good friend, and a wonderful person."
A memorial fund has been setup at the Public Service Credit Union.
Thursday, May 16 2013 7:58 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:58:47 GMT
35-year-old Sabrina Gianino was found dead inside her boyfriend's flat on Wayburn in Grosse Pointe Park just after midnight on Wednesday. Police are calling the death suspicious.
35-year-old Sabrina Gianino was found dead inside her boyfriend's flat on Wayburn in Grosse Pointe Park just after midnight on Wednesday. Police are calling the death suspicious.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:59 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:59:09 GMT
Warren police raided a pet store described as a little shop of horrors. The owner is not only accused of keeping animals in filthy conditions, but keeping them in a building without working utilities.
Warren police raided a pet store described as a little shop of horrors. The owner is not only accused of keeping animals in filthy conditions, but keeping them in a building without working utilities.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 11:01 PM EDT2013-05-15 03:01:56 GMT
We're told a woman from New York was attacked near the Majestic Theatre while trying to help someone in need. Sources say she was then carjacked, kidnapped, robbed and sexually assaulted before she escaped.
We're told a woman from New York was attacked near the Majestic Theatre while trying to help someone in need. Sources say she was then carjacked, kidnapped, robbed and sexually assaulted before she escaped.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:19 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:19:58 GMT
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:43:34 GMT
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:48 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:48:59 GMT
A Molotov cocktail was thrown through a kitchen window of a waterfront mansion on Whittier Street in Grosse Pointe Park around 3:20 a.m. Friday. Fortunately, someone inside put it out.
A Molotov cocktail was thrown through a kitchen window of a waterfront mansion on Whittier Street in Grosse Pointe Park around 3:20 a.m. Friday. Fortunately, someone inside put it out.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:25 GMT
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan urged Detroit's pastors and majority black population Friday to join him in an effort to buy neglected properties and take other steps to help revitalize the struggling city.
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan urged Detroit's pastors and majority black population Friday to join him in an effort to buy neglected properties and take other steps to help revitalize the struggling city where the movement started more than 80 years ago.
