A hit-and-run accident claimed the life of Kingstree High School girl’s basketball coach Sonya Burgess Monday evening.
According to the Kingstree News, her death was the result of a string of events that unfolded around 6:30 p.m. Monday on U.S. Highway 52 near Cades.
Burgess was traveling south on that highway when she swerved to the right to avoid colliding head-on with an unidentified vehicle that was traveling on the wrong side of the road, the South Carolina Highway Patrol says.
Burgess reportedly over-corrected her 1999 Ford Expedition, which resulted in the vehicle overturning.
The driver of the other vehicle did not stop.
Reports state that Burgess was out of her vehicle and stepped into the roadway when she was struck.
Williamsburg County Coroner Harrison McKnight said three children were in the car with Burgess and all were treated and released from the hospital.
The accident continues to be investigated.
Burgess was Kingstree Senior High Athletic Director and head of the Science Department. In 2003 she became head coach of girls basketball as well as coach of the volleyball team. She was named North/South Coach of the Year and Regional Coach of the Year. Burgess guided her Lady Jaguars to three Regional championships.
The Lady Jaguars are currently enjoying a winning season and were expected to play their game against Lake City Tuesday evening, despite the tragedy.
The funeral for Burgess is expected to take place Sunday.
Michaele Duke of The News, Kingstree, provided information for this story.
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