A heartbreaking accident in Pendleton on Friday evening claimed the life of 32-year-old Whitney Gillespie of Brevard, North Carolina. The wreck happened just after 6 p.m. on Mays Street, turning what should have been a normal evening drive into a devastating tragedy. According to Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore, Whitney died at the scene after her vehicle collided with a parked tractor trailer. The crash has left her hometown and local residents in shock as authorities work to understand exactly what went wrong.
Emergency crews rushed to Mays Street after Anderson County 911 received reports of a serious vehicle collision involving two occupants. When first responders arrived, they found both individuals trapped inside the damaged vehicle. Whitney was pronounced dead on the scene due to her injuries, while a second patient was carefully removed from the vehicle and airlifted to Prisma Health Greenville for immediate treatment. Officials have not released the identity or condition of the surviving victim, but the seriousness of the response indicates the individual sustained severe injuries requiring urgent care.
Investigators believe that Whitney was attempting to turn onto Mays Street from Highway 76 when she lost control of her vehicle. In the moments that followed, her car veered and struck a parked tractor trailer with significant force. Coroner Shore confirmed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and ruled the manner of death accidental. The scene itself reflected the violent nature of the crash, showing clear evidence of the impact and the danger it posed. Even experienced responders described the situation as difficult and tragic.
Several agencies answered the call for help, showing the broad and coordinated response required in serious roadway accidents. The Anderson County Office of the Coroner, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County EMS, MedShore Ambulance Service, and the Sandy Springs Fire Department all played key roles in the rescue and investigation efforts. Their teamwork ensured that the surviving victim received fast medical assistance and that the crash scene was secured for further analysis.
The sudden loss of Whitney has sent waves of grief through her community in Brevard. Friends, neighbors, and family members now face the heavy task of coping with her unexpected death. Whitney was only 32 years old, and her passing represents the painful reality of how quickly life can be altered by a single accident. Loved ones describe her as a kind woman with a bright future, and the tragedy has left many struggling to understand how such a heartbreaking event could occur in an instant.
As investigators continue to look into the cause of the crash, authorities remind drivers to exercise caution and remain aware on the roads, especially during evening hours when conditions can change quickly. The Anderson County Coroner’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing to gather information, and updates on the investigation and the condition of the second victim may follow. For now, the community mourns a young life lost, honors Whitney’s memory, and hopes for the recovery of the injured passenger.
