Announcement

Feb. 25, 2022

SC State mourns the loss of a student and graduate killed in Orangeburg crash

Three other students were injured.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The South Carolina State University family is saddened by an early Friday morning crash that took the lives of one current student and a recent SC State graduate.  Three others were injured in the accident.

“Our hearts break for the families of the beautiful souls we’ve lost,” SC State Interim President Alexander Conyers said. “There are no words that will dull the pain currently being experienced by their immediate families. 

Zeleria A. Simpson

Shemyia T. Riley

“The entire Bulldog Family extends our prayers and heartfelt condolences at this very difficult time. Even though we are sad today, we cherish the good memories and reflect on how our beloved students positively impacted our lives,” Conyers said.

The deceased are recent graduate Zeleria Simpson of Charleston and current student Shemyia T. Riley of Greenville. Simpson was a former standout guard for the Bulldogs women’s basketball team who graduated in May 2021 with a degree in criminal justice and law enforcement administration. Riley, a junior majoring in social work, was a Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College Scholar and recently named a 2022 Shining Star by the SC State University Foundation. 

Students Dasia B. Lucas, Chukeya N. Williams and Fuquan Hills were hospitalized with injuries.

“SC State is a close-knit family, so we know these tragic events are having a ripple effect across our campus,” said Dr. Tamara Jeffries-Jackson, SC State vice president for student affairs. “When something of this magnitude happens here, we must come together to comfort and support one another with compassion.

“The entire team in Student Affairs is here to help our students through this difficult time,” Jeffries-Jackson said.

The two-vehicle crash remains under investigation. Inquiries regarding details of the incident and the conditions of the injured students should be directed to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

The university is making counselors available to students, faculty and staff members who may need help coping with this tragic loss. Contact the Office of Counseling and Student Development at (803) 536-8698. 

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Media Contact

Sam Watson

Public Information Officer

South Carolina State University

swatson2@scsu.edu

803-747-1223 (Cell)

About South Carolina State University

Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers’ college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.