Father killed after saving son
Last Updated on 5/30/2012
Published on 4/9/2009
* Three sons lose their dad
By Clayton Stairs
cstairs@gtowntimes.com
As the pick-up truck backed out of a driveway onto Old Pee Dee Road with he and his three sons aboard, Michael Elliott saw an 18-wheeler coming at them fast.
They were riding to a neighbor's house to burn yard debris at about 8: 15 p.m. when they eased out onto the busy two-lane highway in Georgetown County.
With no time to think, he threw his 10-year-old son, David, from the back of the truck just as the tractor trailer, traveling at about 55 miles per hour, hit.
Michael Elliott was ejected from the truck bed and landed on the road.
He died from multiple injuries including head trauma, according to County Coroner Kenny Johnson.
Michael Elliott's sons, 5-year-old Junior and 7-year-old Brandan, who were looking out of the truck's cab, saw the horrific scene as their father died from his injuries.
"They saw their daddy covered with blood," the widow Brenda Elliott said.
Son treated for broken bones
David Elliott was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital in Charleston, where he was treated for a broken leg, a broken ankle and lacerations.
"The impact would have killed both of them," Brenda Elliott said. "Michael was a true hero."
One driver charged, one not
The pick-up truck driver was charged with felony driving under the influence (DUI), according to Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins of the S.C. Highway Patrol.
The driver of the 18-wheeler was not charged because the pick-up was loaded down with yard debris and the brake lights could not be seen, Collins said.
Michael Elliott was the son of Tammy M. Elliott Knight and Donnie Evans. He was a member of Holy Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Surviving, in addition to his family, are his father of Andrews; a brother, Marshal Alan Knight of Andrews; a sister, Kristina Evans of Georgetown; his grandmother, Annabelle E. Long Elliott of Andrews; his grandfather James "JC" Evans of Georgetown; and his step-father, Johnny Knight of Andrews.
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very, very sad story ...a tragic accident but it seems like a scenario that was totally preventable. Do not ride with individuals who insist on driving after drinking. Sure nothing may go wrong 95% of the time, but that 5% is hard to explain. The boys dad truly saved them . My condolences to the family.. Posted by wayne on 4/15/2009 |
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This story was about the heroics of Mr. Elliott, not about the hows and whys of the accident. Those were detailed in a story in Monday's newspaper and can be found elsewhere on this board. The name of the driver is in that story. Posted by on 4/10/2009 |
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Yes, read the story twice and it did not give the name of the driver nor did it say anything about the highway patrol no longer charging the deceased. Maybe someone at the times can comment as to why the driver was not identified in the article. Posted by on 4/10/2009 |
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To the man with the question. Did you even read the story? It says the driver of the pickup was charged with a driving offense. The Highway Patrol no longer files charges against someone who is deceased. So, of course the deceased was not the driver of the pickup. Posted by on 4/10/2009 |
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Was the deceased also the driver of the pickup truck? Posted by on 4/10/2009 |
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Yes their Dad is a HERO! God bless this family and keep them. These beautiful little boys and their Momma need our prayers. Posted by D on 4/10/2009 |
