WINNSBORO – A 17-year Fairfield Central High School student, Sammy Cornelius, Jr. of Winnsboro died in a two-vehicle crash at approximately 8:16 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Cornelius’ 2007 Honda Civic was traveling east on Reservoir Road near Rion Road when it crossed the center line and was struck by a 2001 Honda Accord driven by Nadine Washington, 67.
Washington was wearing a seatbelt and was injured in the accident. Cornelius was not wearing a seatbelt as was declared dead at the scene.
A popular senior, Cornelius was a talented drummer, a member of the school band, Beta Club and student government. He was named FCHS Homecoming King last month and is being remembered by friends on his Facebook page as “an all-around great kid.”
“Man, I’m just hearing the word on Sammy Drums Cornelius. It crushes my heart to hear (this about) a hardworking young man doing everything right…just not fair!” one student posted. Another posted: “Such a wonderful, talented young man who I just knew I would see on a music awards show one day.”
The accident remains under investigation by the Fairfield County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
