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The twin sister and daughter of the victims in Monday's fatal car crash, Rishire Akabidavis, suffered a broken leg in the accident but is out of surgery and recovering today. Physically she's healing, but when she walks out of the hospital she will be without her mother and sister
A day of mourning at Porter Gaud, starting with a prayer service in the morning. The 90 students in the 9th grade had to say good bye to Cushire Akabidavis.
“It's one of immediate shock and grief, lots of hugging and tears,” said Headmaster, Chris Proctor.
The family was heading home from the DMV. The 15-year-old twin sisters had just received their driving permits. With Mom Christina in the front seat, Cushire driving, and Rishire in the back, their vehicle collided with a cement truck in the next lane. The result, fatal for Christina and Cushire.
“A very bright girl, a scholar, a peer leader for next year and her mom loved those girls dearly. She was their biggest advocate,” said Proctor.
Cushire was a member of the girl’s basketball team at Porter Gaud. The school canceled athletic activities for the day. Counselors and the Chaplin were available for any student who wanted to talk. Proctor says its important students have each other in a time of need.
“They all know each other and they will be there for her in the future, one of the advantages of being one of the few instead of one of the many,” said Proctor.
The father was stationed in Baghdad and is making his way back to the states to be with his daughter. The driver of the cement truck was also injured in the accident has been treated and released from Trident Medical center.
The fatal crash caused a major back-up on I-26 yesterday. Several people driving nearby stopped to try to help the victims. This, as cement from the truck poured into the family's car.
“Another guy grabbed a sledge hammer and the young navy man pulled off his shirt and blocked her face while they broke the back glass so the cement could pour out,” said iWitness, Debra Barker.
Barker says witnessing the accident first-hand has forced her to slow down on the interstate and be more cautious of other drivers.
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