Two Teens Killed In Chesnee Crash, Visitation Monday

A Chesnee High student and a Chesnee Middle School student were killed in a Friday morning car crash on Woods Farm Road in Cherokee County, 13 miles south of Gaffney, according to the Highway Patrol. A third student, who also attends Chesnee Middle, was injured.

Fourteen-year-old Brittany Walker of Chesnee and 16-year-old John Ledford of Cowpens died at the scene, according to Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler.   Fowler says Ledford was driving when he lost control of the car and crashed into a tree.  Both Ledford and Brittany Walker, who was a front seat passenger, were pronounced dead at the scene by Fowler who has ordered autopsies on the victims as part of his investigation.  Thirteen-year-old Brandon Walker, who was riding in the backseat, was airlifted to Spartanburg Regional Hospital.  According to Fowler, “The vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway after coming out of a curve, traveled up an 8 foot embankment and struck a tree head on."

News Channel 7 spoke with Brittany and Brandon's mom.   Stephanie Wallace says she knew something was wrong when she received a text from Brittany, sent a text right back, and then heard nothing.  She said Brittany was a very happy girl and typical teenager.

Brandon, whose mom says he loves to fish, was in surgery as of 4 p.m. Friday, according to a man who identified himself as Brandon and Brittany's grandfather.  News Channel spoke to him at the scene, where a cross now hangs on the tree which the car hit.  According to Fowler, “Mr. Ledford was headed to Chesnee High School after first dropping off Miss Walker and the other passenger at Chesnee Middle,” Fowler said.  “Our hearts are saddened at this tragic loss of life and I share the hurt that these families and their fellow students feel,” Fowler said.

Macedonia and Cherokee Fire Departments both reported to the accident. Upstate Carolina sent ambulances.  The Highway Patrol was on the scene for most of Friday afternoon investigating the crash site.

Rhonda Henderson, Director of Public Relations for Spartanburg District 2, issued the following statement regarding the accident:

"We have learned that an automobile accident this morning claimed the life of two of our students and that another student in the automobile is in the hospital. The students are from Chesnee High and Chesnee Middle. Faculty has been told, and an announcement will be made to students. Additional counselors are on their way to the two schools to assist."

Principals from both schools issued these statements Friday afternoon about the accident:

Chesnee High School Principal Tom Ezell:

"The Chesnee High School Family is deeply saddened at the loss of one of our students. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family."

Chesnee Middle School Principal Dale Campbell:

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and friends of the students who lost their lives and with our student who remains hospitalized. Our students and staff are all very close, so this is very painful to all."

 Visitation for Brittany Walker will be held Monday, April 19th from 7-9 p.m. at Eggers Funeral Home, on Alabama Avenue in Chesnee.

Her funeral will be held Tuesday, April 20th at 2 p.m. at Chesnee First Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements for John Ledford have not yet been announced.