By Trend News Line 2024-03-28 02:03:51.
**Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two Young National Guard Soldiers**
In a heartbreaking turn of events, two South Carolina Army National Guard soldiers, Spc. Kristal Lopez and Spc. Carol Santiago-Santiago, lost their lives in a devastating car crash in Union. The young women, both only 19 years old, were travelling together in a sedan when the accident occurred on Jonesville Lockhart Highway or Highway 9 around 4:10 pm on March 16.
**Identifying the Victims**
Authorities identified the victims of the crash as Spc. Kristal Lopez and Spc. Carol Santiago-Santiago. Lopez, who was behind the wheel at the time of the collision, tragically passed away a week later on March 23 at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. Santiago, a passenger in the car, succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the accident.
**Investigation Ongoing**
The crash, which is still under investigation by local law enforcement, involved a pick-up truck colliding with the sedan carrying the two young National Guard soldiers. The details surrounding the cause of the accident have not been released at this time.
**Remembering the Fallen Soldiers**
Spc. Carol Santiago-Santiago, a human resources specialist assigned to the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, had recently been awarded the Army Service Ribbon for completing her initial entry training. Meanwhile, Spc. Kristal Lopez, a paralegal specialist also assigned to the same brigade, was described as a dedicated and valued member of the National Guard.
**Grieving Together**
In a statement following the tragic incident, the South Carolina National Guard expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of two young soldiers. Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, adjutant general of South Carolina, urged the community to keep the Lopez and Santiago families in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
**Moving Forward**
As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the National Guard and the local authorities are working together to understand the circumstances that led to this devastating loss. The community has come together to support the families of the fallen soldiers and honour the memory of Spc. Kristal Lopez and Spc. Carol Santiago-Santiago.
**In Memory of Two Brave Souls**
The tragic accident serves as a reminder of the risks that military personnel face both on and off duty. As the families and colleagues of Spc. Lopez and Spc. Santiago-Santiago mourn their loss, the entire community joins them in remembering the lives of these two young soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
**A Community in Mourning**
The impact of this loss reverberates throughout the South Carolina National Guard and beyond. The memory of Spc. Kristal Lopez and Spc. Carol Santiago-Santiago will forever be cherished, and their dedication to serving their country will never be forgotten. May they rest in peace..
– Women killed head-on collision identified South Carolina National Guard soldiers
– Two women killed head-on collision identified South Carolina National Guard soldiers.