Driver Charged In Fatal Anderson Co. Crash Involving Tanker Truck

Udpated December 27, 2011

The driver of a car involved in a fatal fiery crash in early November has been charged with felony DUI resulting in death.

Officials say Cody Bradley Hendrey, 18, was behind the wheel of the car when a tanker truck carrying more than 8,000 gallons of gas hit the vehicle at the intersection of Highway 29 and Ballard Road in Anderson County.

Jaela Kelley, 17, was ejected from the car and died.

Hendrey is being held at the Anderson County Detention Center on a $25,000 bond.

Posted November 4, 2011

An Anderson County teen was killed in a tanker truck crash late Friday night.  The wreck in Pelzer left a large portion of Highway 29 shut down for several hours.

The wreck happened at the intersection of Highway 29 and Ballard Road in Pelzer.  Deputy Coroner Charlie Bozeman says 17-year-old Jaela Kelley, of Williamston, died in the crash, when she was ejected from the vehicle.  Kelley was not wearing her seatbelt.  According to Anderson County Fire Chief Billy Gibson, a tanker truck carrying 8,800 gallons of gas struck a car at the intersection. The cab of the truck then separated from the tanker and ended up in a wooded area. The tanker flipped upside down, and caused a small gas leak.  Haz Mat crew spent several hours cleaning up the scene.

The other two people in the car, 18-year-old Cody Hendrey and 17-year-old Haley Ragsdale, were both taken to the hospital, but were expected to survive according to the coroner.  The driver of the tanker truck, Christopher Jennings of Pauline, was not injured.

The Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash. 

Anderson School District One says they are deeply saddened to hear of the death of former Palmetto High student, Jaela Kelley.

Palmetto High School principal Mason Gary said, "Jaela was a fun-loving young lady who always had a smile on her face. She had a quiet demeanor, was very pleasant, and loved by her classmates. Our Palmetto High family is very saddened by this news and our heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with the family."

Jane Harrison, spokesperson for Anderson One said, “It is a tragedy for the entire district when we lose one of our students. We will have counselors at the school on Monday for any students and teachers that need support. The entire school community extends our deepest sympathies to Jaela’s family at this very difficult time.