Columbia, S.C.
The community of Newberry is locking arms and hearts as they prepare to say goodbye to a beloved mother and child. LaRhonda Gibson, 47, and her 23-month-old son, Ketron Gibson Jr., tragically lost their lives in a crash on I-26 in Lexington County on Thursday, August 29th.
The funeral service for both victims is set to take place on Friday, September 6th, at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia. The ceremony, described as a “celebration of life,” will commence at 11 a.m. Family, friends, and members of the community are expected to attend in large numbers to pay their respects and support the grieving family.
Details of the Incident
The South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that the heartbreaking incident occurred around 2:45 AM on Thursday. LaRhonda and Ketron were traveling westbound on I-26 in a Nissan sedan. The car was positioned behind a tractor-trailer, and both vehicles had reduced speed due to traffic conditions when tragedy struck.
A Dodge Ram pickup truck collided with the rear of the Nissan, propelling it into the back of the tractor-trailer. The impact was severe, leading to the instant deaths of both LaRhonda and her young son.
The driver of the Dodge truck sustained minor injuries and was promptly treated at a local hospital. The authorities have yet to release further details about the driver’s condition or whether any charges will be filed.
Community Reaction
The loss of LaRhonda and Ketron has sent shockwaves through the Newberry community. LaRhonda was well-known and beloved by many, and her son Ketron was described as a “bright, joyful toddler who brought light into every room he entered.” The tragedy has been felt deeply in Newberry and beyond.
Neighbors and friends have expressed their condolences and shared fond memories of the mother-son duo. One neighbor shared, “LaRhonda was one of the kindest people you’d ever meet. Always smiling, always helping. Ketron was just starting to talk and explore the world. It’s so hard to think they’re gone.”
How the Authorities Responded
According to the Lexington County Coroner’s Office, both victims were identified shortly after the accident occurred. South Carolina Highway Patrol officers were on the scene to investigate the accident’s cause and manage the traffic which had been brought to a standstill.
Given the incident took place in the early hours, all lanes on I-26 West near mile marker 90 were temporarily shut down to facilitate the investigation and clear the wreckage. Traffic resumed several hours later. Detailed reports from the ongoing investigation are pending, and officials are yet to disclose whether any immediate factors like speed, driver fatigue, or weather conditions were contributory to the accident.
Funeral Arrangements
Preparations for the funeral have been supported by the community, with numerous individuals coming forward to offer assistance. The choice of Brookland Baptist Church as the venue for the service caters to the anticipated crowd, allowing ample space for the family, friends, and community members who wish to attend.
The funeral service’s solemn tone reinforces the shared sorrow yet celebrates LaRhonda and Ketron’s lives, cherishing their memory in the hearts of those they touched. Support services and grief counseling have been made available in the community for those needing emotional support during this distressing period.
The tragic loss of LaRhonda Gibson and young Ketron Jr. is an indelible mark on the hearts of their family and the Newberry community.
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens 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 Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
