Fort Mill Community Reacts to Crossing Guard Fatalities and Legal Actions
In Fort Mill, South Carolina, the family of a crossing guard who tragically passed away following a car accident has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the school district. Stanley Brucker, aged 61, died on March 21 after being struck by a vehicle while performing his duties near Fort Mill Middle School and Fort Mill Elementary School.
Details of the Incident
The lawsuit, filed on October 18 in York County civil court, is a response to what the estate of Brucker alleges was the school district’s negligence in placing a crossing guard in an unsafe location. According to the lawsuit, the school district “knew or should have known” that the area was hazardous for a crossing guard. The lawsuit names both the school district and the driver involved in the March 21 incident as defendants.
Background on the Lawsuit
Attorneys J. Rutledge Young III and Hunter L. Windham, representing a family member of Brucker who resides in Washington State, argue that the crossing guard suffered “mental trauma, anguish, and conscious pain and suffering before he died.” The lawsuit seeks actual and punitive damages, although it has yet to be formally served to the defendants.
School District’s Response
In a statement, Fort Mill schools spokesman Joe Burke mentioned that he was not aware of the pending lawsuit and noted that the district typically refrains from commenting on ongoing litigation. It is essential to clarify that a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil matter and not a criminal charge, focusing on allegations of negligence.
Investigation Outcomes
Prosecutors reviewed the circumstances surrounding Brucker’s death and determined that no charges would be filed against the driver of the car involved. They revealed that video evidence showed Brucker entering the northbound lane of traffic prior to the tragic collision, indicating that speed was not a contributing factor in the incident. According to attorney Stacy Lewis, civil lawsuits can be pursued even when no criminal charges are filed, as they often allow families to seek more information about the events leading to the accident.
Recent Developments in Fort Mill
Adding to the community’s concerns, a second crossing guard sustained injuries in a separate incident on October 15. This accident involved a collision between two vehicles at the entrance to Catawba Ridge High School, resulting in the guard being struck subsequent to the initial crash. The nature of the injuries has not been disclosed, and Fort Mill police are actively investigating the incident.
Concerns for School Zone Safety
With four crossing guards reported struck within the last six years in the Fort Mill area, community officials are increasingly focused on pedestrian safety. In response to Brucker’s tragic accident, the South Carolina Department of Transportation reviewed school zone safety measures. Following the investigation, certain adjustments were made, including new signage and clearing of foliage near schools. However, there were no changes made to the existing school zone speed limits, which decrease from 45 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour during drop-off and pickup hours.
The Fort Mill area operates 20 campuses, with contractor crossing guards stationed at many of them, underscoring the community’s reliance on these individuals for safe school commutes.
Conclusion
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Stanley Brucker’s family sheds light on ongoing safety concerns within the Fort Mill school district. As legal proceedings unfold, both the community and local officials are urged to re-evaluate safety protocols to ensure that such tragedies do not recur in the future.
