Tragic report: The Pee Dee SC high school Football team Mourns Two Players Lost in Horrific Crash as Listed…
Pee Dee, South Carolina — A devastating tragedy has shaken the tight-knit community of Pee Dee, South Carolina, as the local high school football team mourns the loss of two of its most promising young athletes following a horrific car crash over the weekend. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, leaving families, teammates, and coaches heartbroken, and prompting calls for greater road safety measures for student-athletes.
The crash occurred late Saturday night just outside the town limits, when a vehicle carrying four members of the Pee Dee High School Panthers football team veered off Highway 57 and collided with a tree at high speed. Two of the players were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
Victims Identified
The Florence County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Sunday that the deceased students were:
- Darius “DJ” Fulton (17) – Junior, starting running back
- Malik Thompson (16) – Sophomore, wide receiver
Both young men were standout athletes and deeply involved in their school and local church communities. Darius Fulton was known for his leadership on and off the field, while Malik Thompson had just begun to emerge as one of the team’s rising stars.
“They weren’t just players,” said Head Coach Ronald Jeffries, struggling to maintain composure during a press briefing. “They were family. They brought heart, soul, and spirit to this team every single day. This is a loss we’ll never truly recover from.”
Survivors in Critical Condition
The two surviving players, whose names are being withheld at the request of their families, were transported to McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, where they remain in critical but stable condition. Hospital officials have not provided further details but say both students face long roads to recovery.
“It’s a miracle they made it,” said one first responder at the scene. “The car was nearly unrecognizable when we arrived. It’s clear speed and possibly road conditions played a major role in the crash.”
Investigation Underway
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle may have been traveling at a high rate of speed and that no other vehicles were involved. Authorities are also looking into whether poor lighting and road surface issues contributed to the accident, which occurred near a rural curve known to locals for being particularly dangerous.
Alcohol or drug involvement has not been confirmed, but toxicology tests are standard in such investigations and results are pending.
“This is a tragic reminder of how fragile life is,” said Lt. James Coleman of SCHP. “Our thoughts are with these young men’s families, and we are doing everything in our power to determine exactly what happened.”
A Community in Mourning
The loss has reverberated throughout the small Pee Dee community, where football is more than just a game—it’s a tradition that unites generations.
A candlelight vigil was held Sunday evening at the school’s football stadium, where over 1,000 people gathered to remember the fallen athletes. Teammates, classmates, faculty, and local residents wore the Panthers’ red and black colors, some hugging and crying while others stood in silent grief.
Photos of Darius and Malik lined the 50-yard line, where flowers, jerseys, candles, and handwritten notes piled up throughout the night. One note simply read: “#28 Forever in Our Hearts.”
The school district released a statement offering condolences and announcing that grief counselors would be available for students and staff throughout the week.
“Our hearts are broken,” said Principal Latasha Green. “These young men represented the very best of what our school stands for—dedication, kindness, and resilience. We will honor their memory with love, strength, and unity.”
Remembering the Lives Behind the Jerseys
Darius “DJ” Fulton was widely regarded as the heart of the team. A three-year varsity player, he led the region in rushing yards this season and had already drawn attention from multiple college recruiters. Off the field, he volunteered at the local Boys & Girls Club and was known for mentoring younger players.
“DJ wanted to go to college and come back to coach here,” said his mother, Monica Fulton. “He loved this team, this school, and this town. He was proud of where he came from.”
Malik Thompson was quieter but equally beloved. Known for his work ethic and humility, he had just scored his first varsity touchdown two weeks ago and was being trained as a future team captain.
“He always stayed after practice to run extra drills,” recalled Coach Jeffries. “He had heart. He never gave up, no matter how tough it got.”
Scheduled Games Postponed
In the wake of the tragedy, the upcoming football games have been postponed indefinitely. The team has canceled all practices for the week, and school officials say they will reassess the schedule based on the emotional readiness of the players and coaching staff.
“Our priority right now is healing,” said Athletic Director Charles Warren. “We’re not thinking about wins and losses—we’re thinking about lives and legacy.”
Tributes Pour In
Messages of support and condolences have poured in from across the state, including from rival teams, local colleges, and even professional athletes.
The South Carolina High School League issued a formal statement honoring the players and encouraging all member schools to observe a moment of silence at their next scheduled games.
Several high schools in the region have also announced they will wear helmet decals or armbands in Pee Dee’s colors as a show of solidarity.
Looking Ahead
Though the days ahead will be marked by grief, school and community leaders have vowed to honor the memories of Darius and Malik through scholarship foundations, jersey retirements, and special tribute events later in the season.
“This will leave a scar on our hearts,” said Principal Green. “But in their memory, we will come together. We will support one another. And we will remind our young people every day how precious their lives are.”
The crash has also renewed local conversations about teen driving safety, with some community leaders calling for a review of curfews and stricter policies for student travel, especially for athletes who often commute to evening practices and events.
As the sun set behind the goalposts Sunday night, hundreds stood in silence while a recording of the school’s alma mater played over the loudspeakers. It was a scene of sorrow and strength, heartbreak and unity—a reflection of a community mourning not just two players, but two young lives filled with promise.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
Leave a Reply