Community Unites to Honor Mother and Son Tragically Lost in I-26 Crash

Columbia, S.C.

The community of Newberry is locking arms and hearts as they prepare to say goodbye to a beloved mother and child. LaRhonda Gibson, 47, and her 23-month-old son, Ketron Gibson Jr., tragically lost their lives in a crash on I-26 in Lexington County on Thursday, August 29th.

The funeral service for both victims is set to take place on Friday, September 6th, at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia. The ceremony, described as a “celebration of life,” will commence at 11 a.m. Family, friends, and members of the community are expected to attend in large numbers to pay their respects and support the grieving family.

Details of the Incident

The South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that the heartbreaking incident occurred around 2:45 AM on Thursday. LaRhonda and Ketron were traveling westbound on I-26 in a Nissan sedan. The car was positioned behind a tractor-trailer, and both vehicles had reduced speed due to traffic conditions when tragedy struck.

A Dodge Ram pickup truck collided with the rear of the Nissan, propelling it into the back of the tractor-trailer. The impact was severe, leading to the instant deaths of both LaRhonda and her young son.

The driver of the Dodge truck sustained minor injuries and was promptly treated at a local hospital. The authorities have yet to release further details about the driver’s condition or whether any charges will be filed.

Community Reaction

The loss of LaRhonda and Ketron has sent shockwaves through the Newberry community. LaRhonda was well-known and beloved by many, and her son Ketron was described as a “bright, joyful toddler who brought light into every room he entered.” The tragedy has been felt deeply in Newberry and beyond.

Neighbors and friends have expressed their condolences and shared fond memories of the mother-son duo. One neighbor shared, “LaRhonda was one of the kindest people you’d ever meet. Always smiling, always helping. Ketron was just starting to talk and explore the world. It’s so hard to think they’re gone.”

How the Authorities Responded

According to the Lexington County Coroner’s Office, both victims were identified shortly after the accident occurred. South Carolina Highway Patrol officers were on the scene to investigate the accident’s cause and manage the traffic which had been brought to a standstill.

Given the incident took place in the early hours, all lanes on I-26 West near mile marker 90 were temporarily shut down to facilitate the investigation and clear the wreckage. Traffic resumed several hours later. Detailed reports from the ongoing investigation are pending, and officials are yet to disclose whether any immediate factors like speed, driver fatigue, or weather conditions were contributory to the accident.

Funeral Arrangements

Preparations for the funeral have been supported by the community, with numerous individuals coming forward to offer assistance. The choice of Brookland Baptist Church as the venue for the service caters to the anticipated crowd, allowing ample space for the family, friends, and community members who wish to attend.

The funeral service’s solemn tone reinforces the shared sorrow yet celebrates LaRhonda and Ketron’s lives, cherishing their memory in the hearts of those they touched. Support services and grief counseling have been made available in the community for those needing emotional support during this distressing period.

The tragic loss of LaRhonda Gibson and young Ketron Jr. is an indelible mark on the hearts of their family and the Newberry community.