2 people killed in Goose Creek
By Nadine Parks
GOOSE CREEK — Two people died after a wreck Thursday night at U.S. Highway 52 and Old Mount Holly Road, and the driver of the other vehicle has been charged with driving under the influence.
Benjamin Cook, 20, of Vance was driving a Dodge Neon sedan on U.S. 52 headed toward Moncks Corner about 8:35 p.m. and made a left turn onto Old Mount Holly, Berkeley County Deputy Coroner Bill Salisbury said.
Brandy Roseberry, 17, of Elloree, was in the passenger seat.
James Connelly, 56, of Charleston came from the opposite direction in a Dodge Ram truck, hauling a boat, and it struck the Neon at the passenger-side door, Salisbury said.
Roseberry died at the scene, and Cook was taken by helicopter to Medical University Hospital, where he died about 1 a.m. Friday, Salisbury said. He said Roseberry was not wearing a seat belt, and it was unclear whether Connelly was restrained.
Connelly is charged with two counts of felony DUI. He was being held on a total bond of $500,000 late Friday at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center in Moncks Corner, the jail said.
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mac0cm4 (anonymous) says...
While it's tragic that this occurred, one can only wonder if Roseberry would be alive if she had worn her seatbelt.
April 25, 2009 at 6:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jifdeng3 (anonymous) says...
Unlikley in a side impact crash of that force.
April 25, 2009 at 6:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Creeker01 (anonymous) says...
Ram Truck with a load vs. Neon.
I'm surprised the driver lasted long enough to get into the Helo.
There's a reason I drive an SUV.
April 25, 2009 at 6:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TheHawg (anonymous) says...
The car was hit while turning left. Did they turn in front of the truck on a green light, or had it turned red? Did Connelly run a red light? Did the Neon driver contribute to the accident?
What happened?
Either way; what a tragedy.
TheHawg
April 25, 2009 at 7:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wildlife (anonymous) says...
Another example of the "highways or Die ways the Choice is yours" except it really isn't a choice. Most of the time the ones drinking are not the ones killed.
April 25, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BobH1962 (anonymous) says...
I passed this accident on my way to work that night and saw the wreckage. I am surprised that everyone didn't die. Why is it that the drunk driver always lives and the innocent victims alway die? I hope that someone took pictures and can show this drunk driver what he did to ruin these peoples lives. He should be made to look at these pictures EVERYDAY for the rest of his life !!!!!!
April 25, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeffyoung007 (anonymous) says...
I authored a bill in the SC Senate (S0205) this year that would have exponentially strengthened DUI enforcement without costing taxpayers. Senator Jake Knotts of Lexington County killed the bill in committee. Senator Knotts had previously gotten a grant program instituted, which by his own admission is seldom used, for law enforcement targeting DUI's. Senator Knotts' grant program would be unneeded if my bill passed. Did he fear a loss of power or influence? After Senator Knotts offered me many poor excuses for not putting the bill to a vote, I received this email from his office.
Mr. Young-
Senator Knotts asked me to email you back and let you know that this bill went before a subcommittee on Wednesday and there were many organizations that showed up to oppose the bill. Those include: Department of Public Safety, the Highway Patrol, Association of Counties, Sheriff's Association, SLED, Court Administrators and the SC Municipal Association. All of these groups testified that they believe DUI is being enforced well enough in our state already and that we do not need to change anything. Where this leaves the bill I am not sure, but I would be happy to ask the staff attorney who is handling it and let you know. I would also be happy to ask him any other questions you may have.
Jeannie Burnside
Office of Senator Knotts
April 25, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
I think that the Neon waited in the intersection to turn left (I'm very guilty of this), and once the light turned red, completed his turn...assuming that the Ram was going to stop. Many times, I've seen heavier vehicles, especially ones that are hauling some sort of load, not be able to stop in time for a red light. This wreck was tragic, but I'm wondering if it was Connelly's "imbibing" that actually caused it. If he was over the legal limit, he'll be at fault no matter who caused it. My condolences to the families of Benjamin and Brandy.
April 25, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
back2u (anonymous) says...
To the person wondering why the drunks survived accidents: I've always figured it was BECAUSE of the alcohol itself. Alchohol "loosens" the body & reflexes so one moves with the impact instead of braces for it and the anagelsic agent of the alcohol helps with pain & other injuries. Makes sense to me though I could be completely off base with this thought process. Still, I don't uphold drinkin'-n-driven' and always preferred to be the DD (that way I didn't have to worry about another DD changing their mind once we were out). My condolences to the families -- all 3 of them.
April 25, 2009 at 11:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MRSCVS (anonymous) says...
My condolences to the family and friends of Benjamin and Brandy.
GOD BLESS
April 26, 2009 at 12:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TheTruthFighter (anonymous) says...
So young and how tragic! My God lay his hands on their soul and my condolences to the families. May God bless you in this time of need.
April 26, 2009 at 9:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dizzyblonde (anonymous) says...
I wonder why someone in a small car would turn into the path of a large truck with a load. Maybe they thought they could beat the oncoming traffic? This happens to me everyday. I ALWAYS yield to oncoming traffic especially whether I have the right of way or not. Brakes can fail, and ACCIDENTS happen! Unfortunately, people die.
April 26, 2009 at 9:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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