West-Oak HS Student Killed in Friday Accident

A West-Oak High School student was killed Friday morning while driving to school in Oconee County.

The Oconee County Coroner’s office identifies the victim as 17 year old Jessica M. Porter of Seneca. Oconee County coroner Karl Addis says Jessica died from head injuries Friday morning at the emergency room at Oconee Medical Center.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol says the girl - who was a 17-year old senior at the school according to the Oconee County School District - was killed in a crash on Critter Road near Highway 11 before 8:00 a.m in Madison which is west of Seneca.

Corporal Kathy Hiles says it appears the student pulled out in front of another vehicle and was struck on Critter Road. Hiles say troopers believe as she was turning off of Critter Road onto Highway 11 they believe the sun got in her eyes and she was struck by the oncoming vehicle.

Yvonne Shelter was working across the street when she heard the crash. “All of a sudden I heard a bang and when I looked out the window both cars were in the middle of the intersection,“ she said

Dr. Scott Smith says Jessica Porter was a very talented senior at his school. “She was an outstanding young lady and meant a lot to our school. She was an AP student and honor level student with great aspirations to go beyond high school,“ he said.

Dr. Smith says councilors were on hand for students. “Today’s been a rough day,“ he said.

According to school officials, this was Porter’s second year at West Oak High School. They believe she will be buried in her home state of Texas.

West-Oak High School is located on Warrior Road in Westminster.

The name of the victim has not been released by the Oconee County Coroner’s Office.