Election Day Tragedy

Election Day Tragedy

I want to tell you a story about a family who is in great need this Christmas season. It truly began before November 4, 2008, but did not gain any attention until then. A 19 year old boy was shot and killed accidentally in the home of his fiancée on the morning of November 4, 2008 in Easley, SC. Three youths had been hunting earlier that morning. After hunting, they returned to the home of one of the boys. Gary, who lived in the home, placed his jammed shotgun down on the table. The gun went off hitting his best friend, his sister’s fiancée, in the chest. Kyle lay in a pool of blood in the living room floor with a massive hole in his chest – shot in the presence of his fiancée, her two younger brothers, her mother and father. Gary ran out of the house screaming, “I’ve killed my brother! I’ve killed my brother!” Although Kyle was not really his brother, they had a deep rooted friendship. There was no hope for Kyle and he died on the scene. Kyle’s fiancée, Kristen was 7 months pregnant. What a horrific scene!! News media and the coroner came to the home. Kyle was buried a few days later on his 20th birthday. Kristen collapsed at the gravesite and had to be taken to the hospital.

I know this story to be truthful because my husband is a teacher at the local high school and does homebound teaching with Kristen, a senior at the high school. In this small run down home lives a family of seven-mom, dad, three brothers (the youngest of which is 8), Kristen, and the grandfather. The brothers missed several days of school related to the psychological effect of the tragedy. Dad, the only income earner of the home, missed several days of work, who works as a plumber’s helper. There hadn’t been much work available for dad either because of the current housing market. Mom took care of the ailing grandfather. Just over a week later, tragedy struck again. As the boys got ready for school, they discovered grandpa, who also slept in the same room, was dead. More school days and work missed; more psychological devastation and depression; another funeral to pay for that they could not afford.

Their housing situation leaves alot to be desired. When it rains outside, it rains inside. When the wind howls outside, it howls inside. Where would they go? - So many questions, so many worries. Where would they find another home to rent for only $175.00 a month? – A new baby on the way, two recent deaths in their home, and the Christmas season upon them.

If anyone would like to help this family, please contact Mark Bagwell at (864) 423-1039 or Denise Bagwell at (864) 859-9754. My hope would be to see this loving family in a new home this Christmas season.