SC college student killed after crashing car into monument
A teenage South Carolina college student was killed in car crash late Thursday night.
James Logan Lusk, 19, was identified as the person who died at the scene of the crash near Ware Shoals.
Lusk, of Pickens, was a student at Lander University where he was a chemistry major. The sophomore reportedly wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon.
Just before 11:30 p.m., Lusk was driving a 1999 Ford Mustang on US-25, at the William T. Jones III Bridge, when he drove off the right side of the road and struck a guardrail and a monument, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The monument was later identified as the the William T. Jones III monument, named in honor of an attorney and former Eighth Circuit solicitor.
Blunt force trauma to the head and chest was the cause of death, according to Laurens County deputy coroner Vicki Cheek, wyff4.com reported.
The Pickens High alum was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, according to foxcarolina.com.
“We are heartbroken by this tragic loss of a young and promising life,” Lander President Richard Cosentino said in a staement. “On behalf of Lander University, we offer our deepest sympathies, prayers and comfort to Mr. Lusk’s family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
At Lander, Lusk was a resident student, a student assistant in the Office of Enrollment Management and an orientation leader. His fellow orientation members started a Go Fund Me page to help his family pay for the funeral. As of Sunday afternoon, $1,700 of the $2,000 goal had been reached with donations from 48 people.
“James Logan Lusk was more than just a friend he was a member of our family and a key piece of Lander University,” a person wrote on the Go Fund Me page’s description. “Logan will forever be remembered by the students and staff at Lander University, his memory and smile will forever be in our hearts and minds.”
Lusk is survived by his parents, Jim and Angela Lusk, in addition to brothers Justin Lusk and Michael (Ashley) Roach, according to his obituary on mountainviewfunerals.com.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday at Mountain View Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with the burial to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
Lander University statement on death of James Lusk
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the loss of one of our students, James Logan Lusk, who died overnight as a result of an automobile accident in Laurens County. Logan was a sophomore chemistry major from Pickens, S.C. During his two years at Lander, he was a resident student, an orientation leader and a student assistant in the Office of Enrollment Management.
“Information on funeral arrangements has not yet been released, but those details will be shared with the campus as they become available. Grief counseling and support services will be available to those in need through the university’s Student Wellness Center. To speak with a counselor, please call 864-388-8885.
“We are heartbroken by this tragic loss of a young and promising life,” said Lander President Richard Cosentino. “On behalf of Lander University, we offer our deepest sympathies, prayers and comfort to Mr. Lusk’s family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
This story was originally published February 25, 2018 at 5:26 PM with the headline "SC college student killed after crashing car into monument."