Local News
Pendleton High School student Spencer Martin killed in Anderson County crash
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. — A tragic single-vehicle crash in Anderson County claimed the life of a 16-year-old Pendleton High School student early Monday morning and left two other teenagers injured, according to officials.
The victim was identified by the Anderson County Coroner’s Office as Spencer James Martin of Anderson.
According to authorities, Anderson County 911 received reports of the crash shortly before 12:30 a.m. on Five Forks Road near Pearman Drive.
Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was traveling on Five Forks Road when the driver lost control while exiting a curve.
Investigators said the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree.
Authorities confirmed Spencer Martin was riding as the front-seat passenger at the time of the collision.
He suffered multiple traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead as a result of the crash.
The Anderson County Coroner’s Office later ruled his death accidental.
Officials said two additional teenagers inside the vehicle were injured and transported to a hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not been publicly released.
Emergency crews from the Piercetown Fire Department responded alongside law enforcement and medical personnel at the scene.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash with assistance from the Anderson County Coroner’s Office.
The tragedy comes as Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of what safety officials often refer to as the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers — the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes involving teenage drivers historically increase nationwide.
Community members, classmates, and loved ones are mourning the loss of Spencer Martin as tributes continue to pour in across the Anderson County area.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.