Reporter struck by vehicle dies
24-year-old Post and Courier staffer was injured on I-95
Jasiri Whipper
Stories by and about Jasiri
Do you know? Jasiri Whipper, published 07/27/06
Rising into manhood, published 03/25/07
30 men march to spread a message of hope, published 10/24/07
Jasiri L. Whipper, a reporter at The Post and Courier, died early Friday. He succumbed to injuries suffered after a vehicle struck him on Interstate 95 in Florence County.
He is the son of state Rep. J. Seth Whipper and Carrie Whipper, and he is the grandson of Lucille S. Whipper, who served for 10 years in the S.C. House, and the late Rev. B.J. Whipper. He also is survived by a sister, Subira N. K. Whipper, 23.
Family members said Jasiri Whipper's car hydroplaned during Thursday's rainy weather. When he got out of his car to look for damage, another vehicle hydroplaned and struck him.
He was transported to McLeod Regional Medical Center, where he died about 1 a.m. Friday. S.C. Highway patrol did not disclose details of the incident, including the other driver's identity, but said the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team was investigating.
"I think we're all in shock," said Lucille Whipper. "Losing a child that you expect to bury you, but you find yourself in their shoes — it's very hard."
With youthful energy, Jasiri Whipper began his career as a reporter a few years ago. He led a life deeply rooted in his community, and he made quick friends with his gift for conversation.
The 24-year-old covered North Charleston and Berkeley County community news for the newspaper.
He was a 2002 graduate of the Charleston County School of the Arts and held a bachelor's degree in English from Morehouse College in Atlanta.
Standing at the beginning of his career, Jasiri Whipper credited his mother for his path into journalism.
She always told him, "Write things down and ask questions," he wrote.
His father said, "He liked being a journalist. He's always been personable, and he liked the language arts." He had a laugh ready for co-workers, and his affable nature served him well with subjects he interviewed.
North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said, "When I first met Jasiri, he had such an infectious smile, you can't help but feel like you've known him your whole life. Not only did we lose a good reporter, we lost a friend who cared about our community."
"This is truly a tragedy and we all feel so sorry for the Whipper family," said William E.N. Hawkins, executive editor of The Post and Courier. "Jasiri was a wonderful young man, full of life, who was just starting to reach his prime as a reporter. He will be missed by his colleagues at the newspaper."
Deeply tied to the people and places he covered, Jasiri Whipper wrote, "I am a journalist. But I am a resident of North Charleston first."
He dedicated many hours as an Elder with the Beaux Affair, a program dedicated to changing the lives of young black men.
He walked the streets of the Waylyn neighborhood in North Charleston with other men for one purpose: "to mentor and provide a positive influence in a community thirsting for it," he wrote.
The Rev. Isaac Holt, pastor of Royal Missionary Baptist Church, where Jasiri Whipper attended, said, "He was charismatic. As a young black male, he broke the stereotype."
In a brief autobiography for The Post and Courier, Jasiri Whipper wrote, "If I knew today was my last day on earth, I'd hold a press conference and tell everyone how much I love them."
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Royal Baptist Church, 1807 Pearson Ave., North Charleston. The funeral service is scheduled at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Matthew Baptist Church, 2005 Reynolds Ave., North Charleston.
Reach Jill Coley at 937-5719 or jcoley@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
ccfirefighterchick (anonymous) says...
My condolences go out to Jasiri's family and friends. This is a terrible loss. It's sad when a life so promising is cut short. But, remember him and try to continue his legacy of giving back. That is the best way to remember a loved one that is taken from us.
December 13, 2008 at 12:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
diablo_tonto (anonymous) says...
Peace and condolences to the Whipper family. Met this guy and know some of his friends, and everyone will say honestly and truthfully that he was a good dude all the way around. This is most certainly a classic case of checking out way before your time, especially with all of the untapped potential this kid had. Once again peace to the Whipper fam........
December 13, 2008 at 1:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
How very sad. Prayers and condolences to the Whipper family and Jasiri's friends. He must have been a fine young man and role model.
December 13, 2008 at 1:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eseillos (anonymous) says...
So sorry to the family, till we meet again my friend you will always be in my thoughts.
December 13, 2008 at 1:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
Jasiri's work was appreciated and he will be missed. Our sincere condolences to the family of this nice young man.
December 13, 2008 at 3:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
My deepest condolences to the family. He will be missed.
December 13, 2008 at 5:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Oceanlover (anonymous) says...
Wow, what a thoughtful line in his autobiography. Sounds like we all could learn a lesson from young Mr. Whipper. Sincerest condolences.
December 13, 2008 at 7 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
karmann (anonymous) says...
My thoughts are prayers are w/ the Whipper family.
December 13, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walterrhett (anonymous) says...
May the light of love and grace of God illuminate the stairway that journeys between heaven and earth, and may God's blessed lamb be received into the beautiful light of a love that will ever remain us to remember in our hearts his journey here. May the family be surrounded and comforted by the light of glory and mercy; may his soul be forever shining within the light of love.
December 13, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SimplyMad (anonymous) says...
I must admit, I had not heard of this young man. Why? It is as if only the thugs get the attention.
Anyway, this is a great loss and very sad. I hope other young men will learn from this loss what really counts in life, and will have learned from his love.
God be with the Whipper family. This is a tragedy.
December 13, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyTarHeel (anonymous) says...
This is so sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
December 13, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Catbus (anonymous) says...
I had the honor to meet Jasiri just one month ago as he came to our school, Fort Dorchester Elementary, and spent the morning with us as we celebrated Steve Irwin Day. I will forever remember him with his sincere enthusiasm and excitement (as much as the 4th grade students in the class...maybe even more!)as Roark Ferguson brought out Gator Girl ( a 4-1/2 gator) and Beauty (a 11' python) and more!
Jasiri had such a smile and was busy enjoying this as well as taking pictures of the action and taking many notes. He did a absolutely wonderful story of this event...and I am thankful to have had this moment in time to spend with him and get to know him...and appreciate all his qualities regarding who he is and what he did!
His story and pictures "Nature Invades Classroom" will now be more special to all of us who spent that morning with him on November 14. An unusual moment occured just three days later, when I happened to see him at a restaurant downtown. He greeted me with a hug, and I was granted another opportunity to thank him again for being there and spending the morning with us. He was still excited about that day as we talked about it further. A few days later the story came out, and once again...I called to thank him for such a wonderful story....it perfectly captured all that happened that day!
This news has saddened all of us. For a brief moment in time...we met and were able to share a wonderful experience that day as so many children were able to get a close up experience! The children and their oohs and aahs...and I know Jasiri was oohing and aahing too....and all their excitement and fun was absolutely captured by Jasiri. We have this experience and his account of the day...to forever remember this very special person.
I know there are many out there that have had this same experience with Jasiri...and that is a forever gift he has given to our community. My thoughts and prayers to his family, his community family, as well as his Post & Courier family. He loved what he did and it showed.
Thank you Jasiri....from all of us...for all that you are. You will be missed, but you left us a part of you that will be with us forever.
December 13, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Osei (anonymous) says...
We offer our heartfelt and most sincere condolences to the Whipper family.
If there is anything that we can do we will do it for you.
Osei, Saadeka and the Chandler family
December 13, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
Condolences to the Whipper family. Jasiri and I knew each other through his participation in community events. Through our mutual involvement we became friends I am honored to say. I just got his RSVP to my wedding back last week. He was truly a young man that led by example and would give the shirt off of his back to help another in need. He took no biased nor prejudiced view while reporting the facts in the community. He also volunteered hundreds of hours away from work to help improve the situations of others. Mr. Jasiri Whipper was and will always be a role model for all whom have come in contact with him. God has truly taken one of his angels back to be with him. Condolences to the Whipper family!!
December 13, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
This is so tragic. My sincerest condolences to the Whipper family, and I pray for comfort and strength for them all in the long days ahead.
December 13, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kytten104 (anonymous) says...
My husband and I both went to highschool with Jasiri and my husband was very close with him. We were both horrified to hear this news. The fact that the world was stripped of someone so wonderful and brilliant is nothing less than a tragedy. He leaves behind a legacy of love for his friends and family, his community, journalism, and life. We will always miss his smile that could warm your soul, his infectious laughter, and the love of his incredible friendship. Our deepest condolences to his family and all his other friends who suffered this great loss. I believe he will smile upon us everyday!
December 13, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kittyskid (anonymous) says...
Such a bright light - snuffed out way too soon! Our family has known the Whippers for 20+ years. He and our daughter attended the School of the Arts together. This young man was physically unable to frown and always saw the best in every situation. Heaven will be an even better place with Jasiri in residence there. Our prayers for comfort go to Mrs.Lucille, Seth, Carrie, Subira, Cheryl and her family as well as all members of Jasiri's family, friends and co-workers. ~~Carol Frazier, Alisia Frazier
December 13, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
preachlove (anonymous) says...
My condolences to the family. He was truly a bright shining light to the community and will definitely be missed.
December 13, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of this wonderful man. How sad it is that someone so bright and thoughtful with a future that reached for the stars is gone.
December 13, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eelliott (anonymous) says...
I had the honor of meeting Jasiri through articles he wrote about the school where I teach. He was committed to shining a light on the positive things going on our schools rather than sensationalizing negative aspects. I want to echo the sentiments of all the comments above. Peace, strength and love to the Whipper family. This young man will be dearly missed in our community.
December 13, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lecque (anonymous) says...
I just met Jasiri exactly 2 weeks ago from today. He and I met at Royal Baptist Church where he attended. Just from our brief conversation, I could tell he was an exceptional young man. This is a tragic end to a wonderful life. My heart and prayers go out to the Whipper family, who are really good friends with my family, the Lecque's. God has a place for Jasiri!
December 13, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
GRRRRR...!!
...its 11:20 on a Sunday Night and I'm sure some DUI ...will LIVE.!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family..!
December 14, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
Zoomru...do huh??? I'm sure some DUI??? "Family members said Jasiri Whipper's car hydroplaned during Thursday's rainy weather. When he got out of his car to look for damage, another vehicle hydroplaned and struck him"
So, if one car hydroplaned, due to a DUI, do you think Jasiri's did too? Come on...read the article..and what's with the "GRRRR"?
December 16, 2008 at 6:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rain_ken (anonymous) says...
Jasiri was an angel in disguise. I remember when i met him almost a year ago at church... He was so sweet.. A friend and I were on the choir stand sunday just reminisce'n about how he came in so many of our lives just from out of no where... and always left us with such remarkable lasting impressions... His smile was amazing.. there wasnt a time when I saw him and he wasnt happy.. He never wore his problems.... and omg his laugh was hilarious... I thank God for placing such an outstanding young man in my pathway....just to always give me a smile... when words couldnt be said your smile said it all... Jasiri we love you and miss you... We know you will always be here in the spirit watching over us... By the way we missed you in Sunday School Sunday.. But im pretty sure we will see you again my friend...
My love and prayers to your family
Love always
Rainee' & Kennedy
December 17, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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