Coroner names two killed in West Columbia crash. Driver of other vehicle charged with DUI
Police are investigating a fatal crash that took place Friday night near downtown West Columbia. The driver of one of the vehicles has been charged with a felony DUI.
The crash, which killed two people, took place at the intersection of 12th Street and B Avenue. The busy juncture of several roads sits in the middle of West Columbia’s “Triangle City,” next to the popular Zesto of West Columbia.
The West Columbia Police Department have charged Jonathan R. Yarborough, 24, with two counts of felony driving under the influence resulting in death and one count of leaving the scene of an accident.
Cornelius Alexander Clory, 68, and Leeya Janae Leaverette, 17, were riding in the same car and were killed in the crash, according to the Lexington County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities reported that around 7:30 p.m., Clory, who is from Ruther Glen, Virgina was driving a four door car and stopped at B Avenue, around the 500 Block of 12th Street. His car was then struck from behind by a truck. Clory, the driver, and Leverette, who was in the rear passenger seat, died at the scene due to injuries sustained in the collision, according to the coroner’s office.
The front passenger of the car was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Yarborough was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries, according to the coroner’s office.
Traffic was brought to a standstill following the crash and police warned the public to avoid the area.
“The investigation into this incident is ongoing and we will release more information as it becomes available,” the West Columbia Police Department said in a statement.
Yarborough was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center.
News station WLTX reported that Yarborough waived his bond hearing scheduled for Saturday morning, meaning that he will remain in jail.
This is a breaking news story. Check back here for more updates.
This story was originally published September 16, 2023 at 8:34 AM.