Tragic Car Crash in Little River Claims One Life

Scene of a tragic car accident with emergency responders at night

News Summary

A serious car crash in Little River, South Carolina, late Saturday resulted in the death of one woman and left another man injured. The collision involved a Honda Accord and a GMC Acadia. The driver of the Honda, 43-year-old Heather Hairston, died at the scene, while 60-year-old Nicholas Kassis, the driver of the GMC, was arrested for felony DUI. The community mourns Heather’s loss as investigations continue into the circumstances of the accident, highlighting ongoing concerns around road safety.

Tragic Car Crash in Little River Claims One Life

In the quiet town of Little River, South Carolina, tragedy struck late Saturday evening, January 18, 2025, as a serious car crash resulted in the death of one individual and left another injured. This unfortunate incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. near the intersection of U.S. 17 and Mica Avenue.

The Fateful Collision

According to reports, the vehicles involved were a 2016 GMC Acadia and a 2016 Honda Accord. Heather Hairston, a 43-year-old woman from neighboring Calabash, North Carolina, was behind the wheel of the Honda Accord. Sadly, she did not survive the crash and died at the scene. This has left many in the area in shock, as they remember her as an active member of the local community.

Injuries and Recovery Efforts

The driver of the GMC Acadia, identified as 60-year-old Nicholas Kassis, sustained injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, there were no passengers in either vehicle involved, which minimized the potential for even more tragic outcomes. Emergency services were quick to respond to the scene, with Horry County Fire Rescue working diligently to free at least one person from the wreckage.

DUI Arrest at the Scene

As the situation unfolded, police arrested Nicholas Kassis for felony driving under the influence resulting in death. Following the apprehension, he was taken to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bail. This incident raises serious concerns about road safety and the consequences of impaired driving, stirring a mix of emotions among residents and families nearby.

Ongoing Investigation

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Horry County Police. Community members are eagerly awaiting further updates as the details surrounding the crash continue to unfold. Investigators will be focusing on determining precisely what led to this devastating accident, which has shaken the Little River community to its core.

A Community in Mourning

This tragic event not only reflects the dangers of reckless driving but also shines a light on the impact it can have on families and local communities. Heather Hairston’s untimely passing is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of poor choices behind the wheel. Friends, family, and residents are coming together to remember her life and offer support to those affected by this unfortunate event.

As new details emerge, the community remains hopeful for improvements in road safety and a united stance against driving under the influence. The importance of ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone cannot be overstated, as we all share the responsibility of looking out for each other.

As the investigation continues, we will keep a close eye on this situation and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, it’s essential to remember the importance of making responsible choices while driving, so that tragedies like this can be prevented in the future.

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Author: HERE Greenwood

GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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