Ten years after a heartbreaking loss, the community of James Island, South Carolina, has come together to honor the memory of 15-year-old Gabriel Seagraves, whose life was cut short in a tragic accident.
A Life Remembered
On a summer day in 2015, Gabriel was skateboarding near Secessionville Road and Kentwood Circle when he was struck by a driver traveling 20 mph over the speed limit. The collision ended the life of a teenager described by many as bright, kind, and full of promise.
“He was an exceptional young man. And I’m so glad he will not be forgotten,” said James Island Town Councilmember Troy Mullinax during a private dedication ceremony with Gabriel’s family.
Memorial Intersection Dedicated
In May 2025, the James Island Town Council officially passed a resolution to rename the site of the crash as the “Gabriel Seagraves Memorial Intersection.” The new signs were unveiled this week, which would have marked Gabriel’s 25th birthday.
Three signs now stand at the intersection, serving as both a tribute to Gabriel and a reminder to drivers to slow down.
Councilmember Mullinax credited Charleston City Councilmember Caroline Parker and State Rep. Spencer Wetmore for helping move the project forward.
A Teen With Big Dreams
Gabriel’s family and community members recalled his passion for learning and his dreams for the future.
He wanted to be an astronomer.
He was in the honors program at school.
He was active in his church, bringing joy to those around him.
“He had so much potential,” Mullinax said, noting the importance of keeping Gabriel’s memory alive.
Pushing for Safer Roads
Gabriel’s death sparked long-standing calls for better road safety and infrastructure improvements on James Island. Neighbors and town officials have repeatedly asked for sidewalks on Secessionville Road, where pedestrians still face risks today.
“We hope that Gabriel will not only be remembered, but that future young people will not have their lives put in jeopardy walking on the side of this road if we can get sidewalks,” Mullinax emphasized.
The dedication of the Gabriel Seagraves Memorial Intersection is both a touching tribute to a young life lost too soon and a call to action for safer streets. As James Island remembers Gabriel’s legacy, town leaders and residents continue working to ensure that tragedies like his can be prevented in the future.
