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Two 19-Year-Old Women in South Carolina Army National Guard Killed in Tragic Car Accident
Two 19-year-old women from the South Carolina Army National Guard died in a head-on collision, leaving their comrades in mourning.
On the 16th of March, a tragic incident resulted in the loss of two 19-year-old women serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard. Carol Santiago and Krystal Lopez were involved in a fatal collision when the sedan they were traveling in collided head-on with a pickup truck going in the opposite direction. Santiago, a passenger in the sedan, tragically lost her life at the scene, while Lopez and the truck driver were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Heart-Wrenching Loss
Tragically, Lopez succumbed to her injuries on March 23 at the Spartanburg Regional Hospital, according to the National Guard's news release. Col. Linda J. Riedel, the commander of the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade with the South Carolina Army National Guard, expressed the deep sorrow felt by the brigade following the loss of Specialist Lopez. The release highlighted Lopez's positive attributes, including her bright smile, willingness to help others, and the pride she showed in wearing the uniform. Col. Riedel urged for the surrounding of Lopez's family with love and support during this difficult time.
A Double Loss
The South Carolina Army National Guard has been left reeling from the loss of two of its members. Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general in South Carolina, expressed the magnitude of the loss, stating, "We have lost not one, but two of our family members with Spc. Kristal Lopez's passing. There is no way to reconcile such a loss." The entire organization was urged to keep the Lopez and Santiago families in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Remembering the Fallen
Santiago, a human resources specialist assigned to the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, hails from Lancaster, South Carolina. Her service was recognized with the Army Service Ribbon. Lopez, also from Lancaster, served as a paralegal specialist within the same brigade. These young women will be remembered for their dedication and service to their country.
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