WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Parishioners mourn the loss of two children in Lexington Co. accident

Parishioners mourn the loss of two children in Lexington Co. accident

By Jillian Capobianco - bio | email and Jordan Sandler - bio | email

LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC (WIS) - A Lexington County accident claimed the lives of two children Monday morning near Bethany Church Road.

Lexington County Coroner Harry Harman says 5-year-old Parker Hewitt and 3-year-old Haley Hewitt both perished in the crash. He adds that both children were in car seats and wearing seat belts.

Coroner Harry O. Harman says at around 8:45 Monday, Hewitt's car either slowed or stopped, and was hit from behind by a motorcycle and a truck. A car approaching the scene from the opposite direction was also hit by the truck, which then overturned.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the mother, Crystal Hewitt was wearing a seatbelt, she was airlifted to the Medical College of Georgia and is in good condition.

The driver of the motorcycle, Kenneth McGuire, was also airlifted to the Medical College of Georgia. We do not know his condition right now.

Another driver, who was transported to Lexington Medical Center, was treated and released.

The Hewitts were on a day trip to pick blueberries when the accident occurred. 

Clay Boland has worked in the body shop and tow business for 20 years and says every death stays with him.

"Anytime anybody gets killed it's bad," said Boland. "It just tears you up when there's children involved."

"I've been doing this for 20 years. I've seen countless children get killed. This is the 28th fatality I've seen in 20 years," said Boland.

There are several bouquets and crosses left in memory of people who have died near the intersection.

The two Hewitt children were honored in their own way at a the Chapin Baptist Church Monday night.

"I know that Crystal is devastated at the loss of her children. And I can only imagine or don't even want to imagine what it would be like," said Elcie Graham, a friend and co-worker of Crystal's.

Hewitt has taught pre-schoolers at the church for three years.

She's played an important role in developing the children of so many of the people who were mourning the loss of her children. 

"If I were Crystal, I don't know that I could come back in a role of working with children. Who have been my children's friends, who are the same age as my children," said Graham.

Hewitt's family is with her at the hospital. Her colleagues believe she'll struggle with the same question they have.

"Why God allowed this to happen? I know he has his reasons, I know he has his plans. But why he would take two precious children so young, away from a mother and a father and a family that loves them. A church family that loves them. I love and trust God and I know everything works to the good for those who love him but I still ask why and I know he's ok with us asking why," said Graham.

The accident remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.

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