Three Upstate High School Students Killed in Accident

By Paul Alongi STAFF WRITER The Greenville News

(Oconee County) - Three West Oak High School students riding in the same SUV died in a wreck with a pickup Monday about eight miles south of Seneca, authorities said.

The driver, 16-year-old Daniel Branton, died at the scene, along with his two passengers, Kimberly Brewer, 16, and Blake Heaton, 17, said Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis.

Oconee County School Superintendent Mike Lucas said guidance counselors and ministers will be available today at the school for anyone who wants counseling.

"Kids are going to be really upset about this, which they should be," Lucas said. "There?s a grieving process that kids go through. We?re there to support them in that effort. Of course, we?re there to support the families, too."

The wreck happened at 3:53 p.m., said Lance Cpl. Scot Edgeworth of the state Highway Patrol. A 1992 Chevrolet SUV heading east on Earls Grove Road collided with a northbound 1996 Dodge pickup on State 59, he said.

The pickup driver, Christopher L. Brabham, 26, of Central, was taken to Oconee Memorial Hospital, Edgeworth said.

Larry Dickson, who lives near the wreck scene, said it spilled into the parking lot of a barbecue restaurant, clipping a picnic table area. He called the intersection dangerous and said he?s been trying for years to get something done about it.

"One guy would kind of give the, ?Oh, it?s the state?s deal," he said. "One guy would give, ?Oh it?s the county?s deal.?"

About 1,000 students attend West Oak High, Lucas said.

The Rev. Wayne Morton, president of the Oconee County Ministerial Association, said he was helping gather pastors and ministers to go to the school. Many people will want to know why three people died so young, he said.

"God has reasons," Morton said. "He knows the why, we don?t. But we have to trust Him."