News Summary
Charleston commemorates the ten-year anniversary of Gabriel Seagraves’ tragic death in a skateboarding accident. This incident has reignited discussions on road safety improvements on James Island. Gabriel’s mother, Kim Gibson, continues to advocate for pedestrian safety as the community and officials propose necessary upgrades to ensure safer roads for residents, especially children.
Charleston Marks Ten Years Since Tragic Death of Local Teen
Charleston, SC – The tragic death of 15-year-old Gabriel Seagraves, which occurred ten years ago while he was skateboarding on Secessionville Road, has rekindled discussions around road safety improvements on James Island. Gabriel lost his life just two days after his birthday, prompting his mother, Kim Gibson, to advocate for enhanced pedestrian safety measures in the area.
On the night of the incident, Gabriel was struck by Larry Dean Bates Jr., who was charged with reckless homicide after driving 51 mph in a 30 mph zone. Following the accident, Bates received a sentence that included five years of probation and six months of house arrest, but did not serve any time in jail. At that time, Secessionville Road lacked sidewalks and adequate streetlights, forcing Gabriel to skate in the roadway and darkness.
Safety Concerns on Local Roads
Current data from the state Department of Public Safety highlights ongoing safety issues in the area. From 2015 onward, there have been 356 collisions on Fort Johnson Road, resulting in five fatalities and 147 injuries. Specifically at the intersection of Fort Johnson Road and Secessionville Road, there have been 32 accidents reported since 2015, reinforcing the need for immediate safety improvements.
In response to these alarming statistics, Charleston County has announced plans to enhance safety at the dangerous intersection. Proposed upgrades include installing sidewalks, adding turn lanes, and implementing a traffic signal. There are also plans for a roundabout at the junction of Fort Johnson and Camp roads. These projects are funded by the county’s 2016 transportation sales tax and are anticipated to commence construction in late 2025.
Community Advocacy and Memorialization Efforts
Since the tragic incident, Kim Gibson has tirelessly advocated for more sidewalks and improved maintenance along both Fort Johnson and Secessionville roads. Her advocacy has been crucial in raising awareness of pedestrian safety issues in the area, as she emphasizes the need for preventive measures to avert further tragedies and protect children and pedestrians.
Additionally, James Island Town Councilman Troy Mullinax is pursuing options to memorialize Gabriel at the intersection where the accident occurred. Initially, he proposed the renaming of the intersection of Secessionville and Fort Johnson in Gabriel’s honor. However, due to opposition from some residents concerned about the historical significance of a nearby church, Mullinax has shifted his focus to renaming the intersection of Secessionville and Kentwood instead.
Next Steps for Community Members
Mullinax is hopeful that the renaming will be completed before Gabriel’s birthday on September 10, 2025, and the anniversary of his death on September 12. The James Island Town Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution for the renaming during their meeting on May 15, 2025, providing an opportunity for the community to honor Gabriel’s memory while continuing to push for necessary safety improvements.
Kim Gibson’s ongoing efforts and the county’s upcoming safety upgrades highlight the community’s commitment to preventing similar incidents. As discussions of reform continue, locals remain hopeful that the changes will create a safer environment for all residents, especially children and pedestrians navigating the roads of Charleston.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Charleston County Traffic Checkpoint
- Count on 2: Folly Road Safety Improvements
- Live 5 News: Community Input for Safety Action Plan
- Post and Courier: SCDOT Road Safety Updates
- Charleston City Paper: Frozen Roadway Warning
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- Google Search: Traffic Safety
- Google Scholar: Road Safety Improvement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Google News: Traffic Safety Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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