Horry County Schools verified Thursday that the woman who was killed by a car while walking on the pavement in Murrells Inlet on Tuesday afternoon was an employee. The driver who hit her has been arrested for DUI.
Elizabeth Coss, 60, died after being hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk, according to an email from Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard.
Camerino Antonio Hernandez, 39, the driver of the 2001 Chevrolet van, was detained on Tuesday night for felony driving under the influence with death and driving without a licence for the third or subsequent time, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
According to an email from district spokesperson Lisa Bourcier, Coss worked as a paraprofessional at St. James High School, 10800 SC 707 in Murrells Inlet. Coss was employed by the district in August of 2021.
The high school’s website identified Coss as a special education aide.
She is believed to have been walking home from work at the time of the collision.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about Ms. Elizabeth Coss’ tragic death. This tragedy is certain to elicit a wide spectrum of emotions from our whole St. James community, particularly among our students and faculty,” Bourcier said in a statement. “Our district has a team of counsellors who are experts trained to assist children, parents, and school personnel during difficult moments like these. Our counsellors will be available to any student or employee who requires or desires support. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and students who have been most affected by this loss.”
The crash happened at 4:25 p.m. on SC 707 near the intersection with Starbuck Lake Road in Murrells Inlet, when a car travelling south drove off the right side of the road and hit Coss, according to The Sun News. Coss died from her injuries, while Hernandez, the vehicle’s sole occupant, was taken to Waccamaw Hospital with undisclosed injuries. He was later put into the J. Reuben Long Detention Centre, where he remains without bail.
