Headed to a USC football game a student was hit by a train. What we know
A University of South Carolina student was hit by a train Oct. 25, and despite sustaining multiple serious injuries, he is expected to recover. Here’s what we know so far. The student’s name is Luc Pavlinec, the university confirmed. His family could not be reached.
The 20-year-old junior from New Jersey was walking in the 600 block of Blossom Street when he was hit by a CSX Transportation freight train. A witness told police that the student was walking along the tracks at the time of the crash.
The train tracks in that area are close to Greek Village and head south towards Williams-Brice Stadium. Some of the stretch of tracks is fenced off, while other areas are accessible to pedestrians.
The collision is under investigation by police and CSX. The State has reached out to the Columbia Police Department and the University of South Carolina for more details. No additional information has been made publicly available about the case.
He is highly involved fraternity member
Pavlinec is a member of the USC chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and raises money for the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital through Dance Marathon, according to his Instagram account. His fraternity posted a link to a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by friends.
He is a ‘dedicated student and friend’
Pavlinec is known for his kindness, compassion, strength and intelligence, according to the GoFundMe, which called him a “dedicated student and friend.” With a 4.0 grade point average, he is working towards a dream of becoming a veterinarian.
He was on his way to the USC football game
Pavlinec was on his way to cheer for the Gamecocks when he was hit. USC faced Alabama in a football match on Oct. 25, according to the GoFundMe.
He has a long road to recovery
University officials said the student is in the hospital and is expected to be OK. He is preparing for “major reconstructive surgery” and is expected to have a long road to recovery, according to the GoFundMe.
The GoFundMe has raised more than $16,000 for Pavlinec and his family.
The State has reached out to the GoFundMe organizers.
