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Writer's pictureVictor Nwoko

2 women in South Carolina Army National Guard died after head-on collision


Two 19-year-old women serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident earlier this month.


Carol Santiago and Kristal Lopez were involved in a fatal collision when the sedan they were traveling in collided head-on with a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction, as reported by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and Union County coroner to WHNS.


Santiago, a passenger in the sedan, succumbed to her injuries on March 16 at the scene, as confirmed by the South Carolina Army National Guard in a news release. Lopez, who was driving the sedan, was rushed to Spartanburg Regional Hospital but sadly passed away from her injuries on March 23, according to the National Guard's statement.


Col. Linda J. Riedel, commander of the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade with the South Carolina Army National Guard, expressed profound sorrow over Lopez's passing, remembering her bright smile, helpful nature, and pride in her uniform. The Guard is providing support to Lopez's family during this challenging time.


The collision is currently under investigation, and both Lopez's and Santiago's comrades are grieving their loss.

Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, adjutant general in South Carolina, lamented the tragic loss of both Lopez and Santiago, emphasizing the irreplaceable void their absence has left within the National Guard family. He urged everyone to keep the families of Lopez and Santiago in their thoughts and prayers.


Santiago, hailing from Lancaster, South Carolina, served as a human resources specialist within the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, with accolades including the Army Service Ribbon.


Lopez, also from Lancaster, served as a paralegal specialist within the same brigade, as confirmed by the National Guard.

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