Huron High School junior killed in South Carolina crash
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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.
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