En Español
When a young person loses their lives as the result of an accident, it is a tragedy that can affect an entire community. Particularly at this time of year, when families are coming together to celebrate the holidays, these types of accidents are saddening to hear.
On December 16th, a Douglas County man was on his way home from work when he arrived a few seconds after a horrific car wreck. Despite being only minutes away from home, Ben Newell stopped to render assistance.
Newell heard the driver of one of the cars screaming for help. That driver, Darien Whitfield, 17, and his passengers, Reginald Benson and Pierre St. Brice were all seriously injured. However, it was the driver of the other car who needed immediate assistance.
16-year-old Joshua Murphy was gasping for air. A fire had started inside the car. Newell and another by-stander helped to move Murphy out of the car. After removing the teen from the car, Newell began to pray with the boy, assuring him that someone was there with him in his moments of need.
Paramedics arrived and began trying to revive Murphy, but the teen was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Before leaving, Newell went and prayed with the other three boys that had been involved in the accident.
It is not yet clear what caused the accident. Only that Murphy had been driving a 2004 Chevy Malibu northbound on Hwy 5 and the other vehicle had been driving southbound. Murphy crossed over the center line and caused the accident.
Students and members of Murphy’s church and community all gathered for a candlelight vigil on Thursday night. Murphy attended Chapel Hill High School where he was a junior.
If you have been involved in an accident and have been injured due to the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The law offices of John Foy & Associates specialize in personal injury litigation. Known as the “Strong Arm” attorney, John Foy can help you. Contact us today.
