A discussion at the James Island Town Council meeting on Thursday stirred mixed reactions, as members of the community debated renaming a well-known intersection where several tragic accidents have happened.
The intersection of Fort Johnson Road and Secessionville Road has become a painful reminder for many families, especially those who have lost loved ones there. One of those lives lost was 15-year-old Gabriel Seagraves, who died nearly 10 years ago after being hit by a car.
Remembering Gabriel Seagraves
Gabriel’s mother, Kim Gibson, spoke emotionally about her son’s passing. She believes the incident, which happened in September 2015, was the result of careless driving. The driver, Larry Dean Bates Jr., received a five-year suspended sentence.
For Gibson, renaming the intersection is about creating awareness and remembering the lives lost. “People walk their dogs and kids ride bikes along that road. There’s a school nearby too. We need something to remind the community to be safe,” she said.
A Road With Deep History
However, the intersection is also an important location for the African American community. It sits near Saint James Presbyterian Church, a place with long-standing cultural and historical ties. Church members and other community residents feel that any memorial or renaming should also reflect the area’s rich history and the lives connected to it.
This difference in opinion led the town council to delay any decision. They have now tabled the discussion until their next meeting on May 15.
A Difficult Decision for the Council
Mayor Brook Lyon said the council has limited power over the decision, since the intersection lies on a state-maintained road. With growing disagreement in the community, the issue has become more complicated.
Still, many community members, including Gibson, hope the future decision will bring both awareness and healing. “I just want people to see that this mattered. It wasn’t just another accident. This happened, and it should not be forgotten,” she said.
What’s Next?
At the next town council meeting, the focus will be on finding a respectful way to honor those who lost their lives at the intersection while keeping safety concerns front and center. The council is also expected to explore new ideas for improving road safety in the area.
The intersection at Fort Johnson and Secessionville Road holds both painful memories and deep historical value. While some want the name changed to honor accident victims like Gabriel Seagraves, others believe the intersection should reflect the long-standing cultural history of the local community. As the town council prepares to revisit the issue, the goal remains clear: to honor lives lost and ensure greater safety for everyone in James Island.
