Too many kids are dying in the Upstate right now. I can't remember a time when we had a string of events like this one. I've lived here eight years now, and I've covered the deaths of quite a few children. However, this month has been the worst I can remember in terms of the number of young lives lost.



It all started with the Devon Epps case that my husband and I have become rather obsessed about. Soul Mate's blog got quoted by a weekly newspaper today in relation to that case. Deputies have not made an arrest in Epps' death yet. Local news forums were buzzing today with a rumor that Devon's mother, who many suspect of the crime, was in a wreck this morning. So far we've only seen limited information on that from one TV station. WSPA is reporting Amanda Reagan Smith ran into the back of a truck this morning in Spartanburg. We'll keep a close eye on what develops in that story today.



Then, a Clemson freshman collapsed and died while running on Tuesday. Amy Moxie was an excellent student and a member of the Clemson University Women's swim team. She had just passed a physical the day before she died. The coroner says her aorta ruptured.



Yesterday afternoon, lightning struck a Spartanburg soccer player and his coach on the practice field. Today would have been Alex Holbein's 18th birthday. The lightning strike hit him in the head, causing a fatal brain injury. Alex was student body president at Oakbrook Preparatory School and captain of his soccer team.

Three young lives lived in three very different worlds. Three young lives lost in such freak ways. Three young lives cut way too short.

I know the faithful turn to their god during times like these. It gives them comfort that this loss of life is in some way a part of a greater plan. That these three kids died for a good reason. That this is not the end for them.

It's all just so damn sad. As a mama, I'm having a hard time getting these children out of my head. I don't care how your kid dies: at the hands of another, invisible medical problem, act of nature. It just seems so wrong that these beautiful kids didn't get the chance to go out and conquer the world. My heart hurts for their parents and everyone else who loved them. I hope they find comfort somewhere, wherever they can.

*Devon Epps picture comes from his obituary on Greenvilleonline.
*Amy Moxie picture comes from the Tribune Times.
*Alex Holbein picture comes from firstcoastnews.

Labels: Alex Holbein, Amy Moxie, Devon Epps