Tragedy Strikes Beaufort: Two Teens Lost in Shooting-Linked Crash

News Summary

Beaufort mourns the tragic loss of two local teenagers, Ashi Mitchell and DaRhon Brooks, who died in a crash linked to a shooting. The incident occurred while they were attempting to reach the hospital after the shooting, resulting in a fiery crash just three miles away. The community is now seeking answers as law enforcement investigates this disturbing trend of violence in the area. Friends and families are left heartbroken, calling for community support to honor the memory of the victims.

Tragedy Strikes Beaufort: Two Teens Lost in Shooting-Linked Crash

Beaufort is reeling today following a tragic incident that took the lives of two local teenagers, 18-year-olds Ashi Mitchell and DaRhon Brooks. Both young men were residents of the area, and their sudden passing has left many in the community heartbroken.

A Night to Remember, for All the Wrong Reasons

The unfortunate events unfolded on Wednesday night around 10:20 p.m., at the bustling intersection of Parris Island Gateway and Trask Parkway in Burton. This was the point where a shooting erupted, leaving the young men in a precarious situation. In a frantic attempt to get help, they jumped into their vehicle and sped off toward Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

A Fiery Ending

Sadly, their journey was cut short when they crashed just three miles away on Ribaut Road. The impact of the collision was so severe that their car caught fire, marking a devastating end to their night. In the chaos, a third passenger in the vehicle suffered injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.

Search for Answers Continues

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the shooting and its aftermath. As of Thursday afternoon, nobody has been arrested in connection with the shooting, but law enforcement is working tirelessly to get to the bottom of this tragic event. In their efforts, the Sheriff’s Office reviewed traffic camera footage and collected evidence from the scene, which was marked by at least a dozen evidence placards indicating locations of shell casings.

The Growing Concerns of Violence

This heartbreaking incident is part of a larger trend, with it being the third reported case of vehicles being targeted by gunfire in Beaufort County in just one week. Just prior, authorities had charged three suspects related to two non-fatal shootings involving vehicles, one of which was tied to a road rage incident. The concern within the community continues to rise as these violent acts become all too frequent.

A Call for Community Support

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward, whether it’s calling SSgt. Tunis at 843-255-3426, or submitting tips anonymously through the P3 Tips app or Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County at 844-847-7238. Community support is essential, and every piece of information could help lead to justice for Ashi and DaRhon.

Honoring Their Memory

Autopsies for the two young men are scheduled for Thursday. The loss felt by friends, families, and the community is profound. It’s important to remember Ashi and DaRhon not just for how they died, but for how they lived – vibrant youths, full of potential, now gone far too soon due to the unexpected and senseless violence that has gripped the Beaufort area. As the investigation continues, residents are encouraged to come together, support one another, and honor the memories of two lives that have been tragically cut short.