Tragic Incident in Clover: A Community in Mourning
This past Friday morning, Clover, South Carolina, was shaken by a tragic event that has left many residents in shock and disbelief. A local woman, Victoria Leger, aged 66, lost her life after being struck by a pickup truck while she and others were attempting to clear a fallen tree that had blocked the road. The tree had come down due to the severe weather brought on by Tropical Storm Helene.
What Happened?
The accident occurred around 9:10 a.m. on Lawrence Road, just a bit outside of town. Master Trooper Brandon Bolt from the S.C. Highway Patrol reported that Victoria and three other individuals were working together to remove the fallen tree when they were hit by a Dodge pickup truck. The driver of the truck fortunately did not sustain any injuries, but the impact was devastating.
Details of the Incident
Victoria was quickly transported to a hospital in Gaston County, North Carolina, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries the following day. The York County Coroner’s Office confirmed that her passing is believed to be the only fatality directly related to the storm in York County. There were, however, three others who were also injured in the collision. Sadly, as of now, no additional details about their conditions or identities have been released.
The Impact of Tropical Storm Helene
The storm had already made its presence felt across Clover and the surrounding areas prior to the incident, with numerous trees being uprooted and some even blocking roads. This has put a strain on communities as they work hard to clear up the aftermath of the storm. In neighboring counties, reports indicated that the storm contributed to multiple fatalities, with as many as 12 deaths reported in areas like Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg, and Aiken counties. North Carolina has also seen serious devastation, with approximately 30 reported deaths due to the weather-related chaos.
Community Support and Safety Concerns
In the wake of this tragedy, local authorities and community members are coming together to offer their support. York County’s emergency management director, Chuck Haynes, emphasized the need for safety during such dangerous weather conditions. He pointed out that the group trying to clear the tree was comprised of local residents, not emergency personnel, which raises concerns about safety and preparedness during storms.
As many Clover residents reach out to one another in this time of grief, it’s crucial to remember the importance of safety, especially when dealing with natural disasters. Clearing fallen trees is a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and professional help should always be a priority when a storm has caused such significant damage.
Wrapping Up
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and its potential to cause heartbreak within our communities. As we support one another and work through these challenging times, our thoughts are with Victoria Leger’s family and those who were injured during this tragic event. The Clover community is slowly healing, and as it does, we hope that the memories of those lost during these storms will be cherished and honored.
Let’s keep our heads up and continue to look out for one another. After all, we’re in this together, and it’s the strength of our community that will help us through.
