Laurens County Settles After Tragic School Bus Crash
LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. – This week marks a significant moment for the family of Pastor Herman Alexander Black. After waiting for five long years since the day of his untimely death, they have reached a settlement concerning the tragic school bus crash that took his life in 2019. For the family, this journey through the legal system has been incredibly emotional, but they seem to be finding some closure with the recent developments.
Settlement Details
The South Carolina Department of Education and Laurens County School District 55 have agreed to pay the Black family a total of $950,000. This amount comes in addition to a previous insurance payout of $575,000. The family’s attorney, Tom Killoren, shared that the settlement negotiations were not easy, highlighting that the district’s lax cell phone policy for bus drivers was a critical issue in the case.
“One of the biggest problems was that District 55 did not have a strong enough policy to keep bus drivers from using their cell phones while driving,” Killoren stated. His concern revolves around the need for communities and educational institutions to take the safety of their students seriously. The tragedy became a rallying point to improve regulations that protect the innocent.
Changes to Policy
In light of this heartbreaking incident, District 55 is now taking action to remedy the situation. Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland announced that the district will not only revise its cell phone policy but will also hold training sessions for all bus drivers regarding safe practices while on the road. “We believe these guidelines will contribute positively to the overall safety on our buses and to the community,” Penland expressed, suggesting that stronger measures will be put in place to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.
The Long Road to Justice
It’s worth noting how long and difficult this legal journey has been for the Black family. Killoren shared his frustration over the legal limitations in South Carolina, especially when compared to neighboring states like Georgia and North Carolina. “Why should families in South Carolina suffer through years of legal battles to seek fair compensation?” he asked, reflecting on how the monetary claims limits in the state hinder victims’ families from adequately recovering their losses. He believes that establishing higher recovery limits could alleviate some of the pressure on families like the Blacks, who have already been through enough suffering.
In December 2023, Ulysses Cartez Gary, Jr., the bus driver associated with this tragic accident, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter. This addition to the case’s timeline further highlights the seriousness of the incident and the rippling effects it has had on the community.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy of the school bus crash has shaken the community of Laurens County deeply. Families are considering the significance of safety measures not just within the school district but also in their everyday lives. There is an urgent need for conversations around safety, responsibility, and technology use while driving to prevent any future accidents from occurring.
While the settlement might not erase the pain of losing a beloved member of the community, the Black family hopes it will spark meaningful changes. They maintain hope that no other family will have to endure what they have faced; waiting, suffering, and fighting for justice over the years.
Looking Forward
As Laurens County continues to process this settlement and its implications, it’s evident that the community is rallying together to ensure a safer environment for their children. By reinforcing safety policies and encouraging responsible behavior, the stakeholders involved hope to honor Pastor Herman Alexander Black’s memory in a positive way, through actionable change.
