MARLBORO COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – A teenager was killed in a single-vehicle accident in Marlboro County Monday afternoon, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Cpl. Sonny Collins says the accident happened on Highway 9 West, about three miles east of Cheraw, around 3:45 p.m. Monday. Collins says a 2000 Ford Explorer ran off the road and overturned.
Marlboro County Coroner Tim Brown identified the person who died as Austin Blackmon, 18, of Bennettsville. Brown said Blackmon died at McLeod Health Cheraw just after 7:30 on Monday night.
The Marlboro County School District released the following statement upon receiving the news of Blackmon’s death:
The Marlboro County School District, is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of one our students: Austin Blackmon. Austin a senior in the Class of 2015 at Marlboro County High School was tragically killed in a car accident on Monday evening, September 14, 2015. Our children are our most precious commodity and it is a grave travesty to lose one. We extend to the family and friends our most heartfelt sympathy. Please join us with your thoughts as we work together to maintain heartfelt peace in our school community.”
SCHP investigators said Blackmon was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
