Wreck claims life of BHS senior
Published Tuesday, October 21, 2008 8:32 AM
By Dan Brown and Jim Tatum
Berkeley Independent
A Berkeley High School senior football player is dead and an 18-year-old is charged with felony Driving Under the Influence after a single car accident in Moncks Corner early Saturday morning.
I would also like to say i hope the family and friends are doing ok. I know its a hard loss but i hope everyone is doin ok i wish i could be there to comfort everybody but i cant. everyone will be in my prayers. TAKE CARE
Posted by: TIM HARDIN
I was shocked when i found this out you were a good friend and you helped lots of people you will be missed by everyone. I pratically grew up with ya man and i wish i would have been ther for the funeral but I am still locked up. Just know you will be missed by me and everyone else.
Posted by: TIM HARDIN
ESTEP.....you know i will miss you greatly....i know i graduated in 06 but i still remember you and feel a void with you gone. Quina,Mona, and my self loved being around you when were trainers in high school...you always knew how to make us smile and laugh! You will always be my lil boyfriend! LOL I miss you and hope you save a spot for me when i make it there!
Posted by: Johna- class of 06 graduate and former football trainer at BHS
Man I was in such shock when I heard about this, I remember freshman year I was SOO nervous because it was my 1st year in HS and you helped me and walked me through it, When i heard about this through a text I was prayin and wishin it wasnt you and it was one of those BS texts but when I got the call from someone I was tore up i tried to hold it in but couldnt, Thanks for bein a good friend Darrell you will be remembered
Posted by: Robert Gordon
My heart goes out to the family of Darrell. It is a true shame that the parents throwing the party were so irresponsible that they were not monitoring who was consuming and if they were of age. Yes I DO believe that these parents should be held accountable for contributing in the death of this young teen. As far as the person complaining about everyone blaming the driver.....GROW UP! He knew he had been drinking, he knew he was not suppose to be and he LIED to the other 3 boys saying that he had not. Unfortunately or fortunately this is something that this young man is going to have to live with for the rest of his life. Hopefully it will have a positive influence on him and he will think twice about drinking and driving ever again.
Posted by: A parent of teenages.
i will dearly miss you darrell and so will lawson. i hope one day we will see each other again. we love you so much. your family will be in my thoughts
Posted by: alex long
okay is is a bunch of bs. Now everyone knows that if your at a party and you your self knows that they were all drinking and even though he said he wasnt drinking common since would tell you if you smell the alchol then the person had been drinking everyone knew that all of them were drinking and know one stopped them from getting in the car with the driver. So why blame just the driver when all of them were at fault yea darrell was a great kid but he had his faults too. Dont pass judgement on some one if you dont want to be judged.
Posted by: I was at the party!!!!!
DARREL WAS A GREAT PERSON HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE!! SOME PEOLE HAVE LEFT COMMENTS SAYING THEY SHOULD NOT OF BEEN DRINKING UNDERAGE (AMBER HALL) BUT ALL I GOT TO SAY TO YOU IS THAT YOU ARE HEART LESS DARREL WAS TOLD BY THE PASSENGER THE HE WAS NOT DRINKING AND DARREL TRUSTED HIM!!! IT WAS NOT DARRELS FAULT!! NOT MATTER WHAT PEOPLE MAY SAY DARREL YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN YOU WILL FOREVER REMAIN IN ALL THE LIVES YOU TOUCHED SO DEARLY!!!
Posted by: TAMERA SCOTT
RIP Darrell, I didn't know you that well but we did start talking a little bit this year in gym!You were a pretty good guy!! Everyday everyone turns around to look at that chair where you use to sit everyday!! You will be sadly missed!!RIP
Posted by: Kristen
A life has been lost throught this tragedy. I don't know Darrell personally but their is only one person who can judge anybody, and that person is God. Everyone makes mistakes like the parents that gave the underage boys alcohol. I know that if they knew that it would take Darrells life they would of never given it to him. they are in a time of greivance right now also. I'm not trying to take up for them, but theirs nothing anyone can do to bring Darrel back. I leave this quote for the family "Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning." I have you in my prayers, and i pray God gives you the strength that you need.
Posted by: a concern veiwer of the newspaper
remember the pimp mobile darrell?lol me and renae are gonna miss you!!!
Posted by: alexis bolt
I miss you Darrell. And for these people saying the parents should be prosecuted, get a life. Darrell was a good person and a friend since childhood. Just because he made a mistake doesn't mean other people need to be punished. There is enough grief going on already, just because you dont see it the way we do, doesnt mean you have to make judements.
Posted by: Laura
these things sadly happen to alot of people. people risk their lives all the time by drinking and getting into a car. I remember as a teenager getting alochol all the time from the bootleggers and such without even being asked. We have either done it or have known someone who drank and drove. some are just luckier than others. its a sad situation. I agree with the person below me. ps. who said a 12yr was there? that is probaly a rumor going around so the kid might look "cool" or whatever.
Posted by:
these teenagers were drunk driving going from party to party. just because a teeneger was handed alcohol it doesnt mean that it was given to them from a parent. I mean come on seriously. Kids get stuff from bootleggers all the time with no questions asked.. the driver knew what he did was wrong. the kids had been to many parties before they even got in the wreck so who knows were these young adults even consumed alcohol. darrell trusted the driver because the driver had lied and said he did not consume alcohol. it was all a huge mistake that we all have to learn a lesson from.
Posted by: ---
Don't pass judgement, look the other way, say "we all did it" and you'll be reading about another youth killed as a result of drinking and driving. If parents were present when alcohol was consumed by minors, they should be prosecuted as a lesson to all. When society can't police itself to protect children then it's time for the government to step in and do it. I grieve for the loss of this young man, but without alcohol this tragedy may have been avoided. Please take your heads out of the sand.
Posted by: Concerned Parent
There have been so many vehicle accidents on Cooper Store Rd. These curves are dangerous-alcohol does not mix with this road. I also heard that a 12 year old girl was going around Berkeley Middle School telling students she was at this party too. This is a shame.
Posted by: Concerned Mother
I think that none of us should pass judgement on any of theses kids because we all know that we did the same thing we all drink and drive or ride with drunk drivers and in high school its the cool thing to be able to say you did that but i think the death of darrel shows us all that we are not invincible and that we all can be hurt because of the stupid choices we make
Posted by: Cionna Moore
Dont be like the rest and judge these kids for what they did. We all make mistakes and some are more serious than others. You should only cast the first stone if you havent done anything wrong or stupid in your life. I agree with the comment on holding the parents responsible if they were in fact there while the kids were drinking. That was really dumb! I have 2 kids, one in college and yes she has done some dumb things but we dont hold that against her. Our son who is on the Berkeley Wrestling Team and knew Darrell I am sure feels alot of hurt inside at the loss of a team mate. May God watch over Big D and may he also have mercy on the souls that assisted in the death of this young man.
Posted by: Berkeley wretlers dad
Rest in Peace Darrell. You will be missed by many! I didn't know you very well, but we have spoken a few times over the years in the mornings and I can't believe you're gone. Your family will be in my prayers! RIP.
Posted by: A friend.
Darrell was going somewhere in life. He was always smilin and it was contagious when you get around him. I hate that something happend like this to him. You will surely be missed Darrell.
Posted by: BHS class of 08
I think someone needs to find out who's birthday party they were at.From my understanding the parents were there while all the UNDERAGE kids were drinking.They should be held responsible as well as the driver!!!!
Posted by: concerned
Darrel was a year older then my son. Even though my son didn't know him on a real personal level he does know one of the other boys that was involved and it as really shaken my son up. We actually drove out to the accident site and to see the car, and while we were doing this I was giving the speech of think before you drink. This is for all teenagers we your parents love you and would die for you, please please think before you drink. I know I would be ok with my son calling me and saying hey mom I have been drinking could you please come get me, I know most wouldn't do that but believe me we would much rather come and get you then to have to plan your funeral. please think about your family and what it would do to them to lose you. you have so much to live for don't give it away in a blink with a drink.
Posted by: concerned mother of a teenager
You are right Amber, however all involved are suffering right now. I pray that God will comfort and heal the Estep family, the boys involved, and their families. I really hope that this has a positive impact on others. We are responsible for our decisions- whether or not to drink, drive, or ride with someone who has. I pray that others will make a conscientious decicion before they begin to drink how they will get home. No one thinks this horrific thing will happen to them- it certainly isn't planned.
Posted by: Melanie
they shouldnt have been drinking under age!!!
Posted by: amber hall
Berkeley Independent
File
Darrell Estep
Berkeley County Deputy Coroner Bill Salisbury said 17-year-old Darrell Estep was killed when the car in which he was riding left the roadway, hit a sign and a tree, and overturned, pinning him inside.
The accident occurred on Cooper Store Road outside of Moncks Corner in rural Berkeley County. The sedan Estep was a passenger in was traveling east on Cooper Store Road.
Estep was pronounced dead at the scene, Salisbury said.
The other three occupants, including the driver, were transported to area hospitals. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has charged the 18-year-old driver with felony DUI. At press time, the Independent had not confirmed the name of the driver. Visit www.berkeley ind.com for further details and updates.
Grief counselors were on hand Monday morning at Berkeley High School, as students and teammates of Estep coped with the sad news.
“It’s a sad event for sure,” said Berkeley High School athletic director and football coach Jerry Brown. “The students here are shocked but seem to be handling it okay.
“We have counselors on hand to provide help and assistance.”
Brown praised Estep, and called him a hard working member of the football team.
“Darrell was a good kid,” Brown said. “He worked hard and had his troubles like everyone else, but he really loved sports and really loved football.”
Estep was also a member of the Stags’ wrestling team.
Comments
Notice about comments:Berkeleyind.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Berkeleyind.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not Berkeleyind.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by reading our terms and conditions, and then signing up below!
To the family and friends
Monday, November 10, 2008 10:06 AM
I would also like to say i hope the family and friends are doing ok. I know its a hard loss but i hope everyone is doin ok i wish i could be there to comfort everybody but i cant. everyone will be in my prayers. TAKE CARE
Posted by: TIM HARDIN
youll be missed
Monday, November 10, 2008 9:40 AM
I was shocked when i found this out you were a good friend and you helped lots of people you will be missed by everyone. I pratically grew up with ya man and i wish i would have been ther for the funeral but I am still locked up. Just know you will be missed by me and everyone else.
Posted by: TIM HARDIN
I will miss you
Thursday, November 06, 2008 11:00 PM
ESTEP.....you know i will miss you greatly....i know i graduated in 06 but i still remember you and feel a void with you gone. Quina,Mona, and my self loved being around you when were trainers in high school...you always knew how to make us smile and laugh! You will always be my lil boyfriend! LOL I miss you and hope you save a spot for me when i make it there!
Posted by: Johna- class of 06 graduate and former football trainer at BHS
We Miss you
Monday, November 03, 2008 2:35 PM
Man I was in such shock when I heard about this, I remember freshman year I was SOO nervous because it was my 1st year in HS and you helped me and walked me through it, When i heard about this through a text I was prayin and wishin it wasnt you and it was one of those BS texts but when I got the call from someone I was tore up i tried to hold it in but couldnt, Thanks for bein a good friend Darrell you will be remembered
Posted by: Robert Gordon
UNDERAGE DRINKING
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 1:06 AM
My heart goes out to the family of Darrell. It is a true shame that the parents throwing the party were so irresponsible that they were not monitoring who was consuming and if they were of age. Yes I DO believe that these parents should be held accountable for contributing in the death of this young teen. As far as the person complaining about everyone blaming the driver.....GROW UP! He knew he had been drinking, he knew he was not suppose to be and he LIED to the other 3 boys saying that he had not. Unfortunately or fortunately this is something that this young man is going to have to live with for the rest of his life. Hopefully it will have a positive influence on him and he will think twice about drinking and driving ever again.
Posted by: A parent of teenages.
R.I.P Darrell
Monday, October 27, 2008 8:39 PM
i will dearly miss you darrell and so will lawson. i hope one day we will see each other again. we love you so much. your family will be in my thoughts
Posted by: alex long
why is it put on the driver
Monday, October 27, 2008 9:40 AM
okay is is a bunch of bs. Now everyone knows that if your at a party and you your self knows that they were all drinking and even though he said he wasnt drinking common since would tell you if you smell the alchol then the person had been drinking everyone knew that all of them were drinking and know one stopped them from getting in the car with the driver. So why blame just the driver when all of them were at fault yea darrell was a great kid but he had his faults too. Dont pass judgement on some one if you dont want to be judged.
Posted by: I was at the party!!!!!
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Monday, October 27, 2008 1:18 AM
DARREL WAS A GREAT PERSON HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE!! SOME PEOLE HAVE LEFT COMMENTS SAYING THEY SHOULD NOT OF BEEN DRINKING UNDERAGE (AMBER HALL) BUT ALL I GOT TO SAY TO YOU IS THAT YOU ARE HEART LESS DARREL WAS TOLD BY THE PASSENGER THE HE WAS NOT DRINKING AND DARREL TRUSTED HIM!!! IT WAS NOT DARRELS FAULT!! NOT MATTER WHAT PEOPLE MAY SAY DARREL YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN YOU WILL FOREVER REMAIN IN ALL THE LIVES YOU TOUCHED SO DEARLY!!!
Posted by: TAMERA SCOTT
Can't believe it!!!
Saturday, October 25, 2008 5:59 PM
RIP Darrell, I didn't know you that well but we did start talking a little bit this year in gym!You were a pretty good guy!! Everyday everyone turns around to look at that chair where you use to sit everyday!! You will be sadly missed!!RIP
Posted by: Kristen
Forgiveness
Friday, October 24, 2008 9:57 PM
A life has been lost throught this tragedy. I don't know Darrell personally but their is only one person who can judge anybody, and that person is God. Everyone makes mistakes like the parents that gave the underage boys alcohol. I know that if they knew that it would take Darrells life they would of never given it to him. they are in a time of greivance right now also. I'm not trying to take up for them, but theirs nothing anyone can do to bring Darrel back. I leave this quote for the family "Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning." I have you in my prayers, and i pray God gives you the strength that you need.
Posted by: a concern veiwer of the newspaper
we'll miss you
Friday, October 24, 2008 7:21 PM
remember the pimp mobile darrell?lol me and renae are gonna miss you!!!
Posted by: alexis bolt
i miss you
Friday, October 24, 2008 2:06 PM
I miss you Darrell. And for these people saying the parents should be prosecuted, get a life. Darrell was a good person and a friend since childhood. Just because he made a mistake doesn't mean other people need to be punished. There is enough grief going on already, just because you dont see it the way we do, doesnt mean you have to make judements.
Posted by: Laura
Friday, October 24, 2008 1:37 PM
these things sadly happen to alot of people. people risk their lives all the time by drinking and getting into a car. I remember as a teenager getting alochol all the time from the bootleggers and such without even being asked. We have either done it or have known someone who drank and drove. some are just luckier than others. its a sad situation. I agree with the person below me. ps. who said a 12yr was there? that is probaly a rumor going around so the kid might look "cool" or whatever.
Posted by:
Friday, October 24, 2008 1:30 PM
these teenagers were drunk driving going from party to party. just because a teeneger was handed alcohol it doesnt mean that it was given to them from a parent. I mean come on seriously. Kids get stuff from bootleggers all the time with no questions asked.. the driver knew what he did was wrong. the kids had been to many parties before they even got in the wreck so who knows were these young adults even consumed alcohol. darrell trusted the driver because the driver had lied and said he did not consume alcohol. it was all a huge mistake that we all have to learn a lesson from.
Posted by: ---
Cionna and BWD
Friday, October 24, 2008 10:16 AM
Don't pass judgement, look the other way, say "we all did it" and you'll be reading about another youth killed as a result of drinking and driving. If parents were present when alcohol was consumed by minors, they should be prosecuted as a lesson to all. When society can't police itself to protect children then it's time for the government to step in and do it. I grieve for the loss of this young man, but without alcohol this tragedy may have been avoided. Please take your heads out of the sand.
Posted by: Concerned Parent
Cooper Store Road Wrecks
Thursday, October 23, 2008 4:49 PM
There have been so many vehicle accidents on Cooper Store Rd. These curves are dangerous-alcohol does not mix with this road. I also heard that a 12 year old girl was going around Berkeley Middle School telling students she was at this party too. This is a shame.
Posted by: Concerned Mother
Thanks Darrell for changing our lives
Thursday, October 23, 2008 9:30 AM
I think that none of us should pass judgement on any of theses kids because we all know that we did the same thing we all drink and drive or ride with drunk drivers and in high school its the cool thing to be able to say you did that but i think the death of darrel shows us all that we are not invincible and that we all can be hurt because of the stupid choices we make
Posted by: Cionna Moore
Judgement
Thursday, October 23, 2008 2:26 AM
Dont be like the rest and judge these kids for what they did. We all make mistakes and some are more serious than others. You should only cast the first stone if you havent done anything wrong or stupid in your life. I agree with the comment on holding the parents responsible if they were in fact there while the kids were drinking. That was really dumb! I have 2 kids, one in college and yes she has done some dumb things but we dont hold that against her. Our son who is on the Berkeley Wrestling Team and knew Darrell I am sure feels alot of hurt inside at the loss of a team mate. May God watch over Big D and may he also have mercy on the souls that assisted in the death of this young man.
Posted by: Berkeley wretlers dad
You will be missed.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 7:03 PM
Rest in Peace Darrell. You will be missed by many! I didn't know you very well, but we have spoken a few times over the years in the mornings and I can't believe you're gone. Your family will be in my prayers! RIP.
Posted by: A friend.
RIP
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 11:43 AM
Darrell was going somewhere in life. He was always smilin and it was contagious when you get around him. I hate that something happend like this to him. You will surely be missed Darrell.
Posted by: BHS class of 08
The party
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 9:48 AM
I think someone needs to find out who's birthday party they were at.From my understanding the parents were there while all the UNDERAGE kids were drinking.They should be held responsible as well as the driver!!!!
Posted by: concerned
My heart goes out to the families of each of these boys.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 9:20 AM
Darrel was a year older then my son. Even though my son didn't know him on a real personal level he does know one of the other boys that was involved and it as really shaken my son up. We actually drove out to the accident site and to see the car, and while we were doing this I was giving the speech of think before you drink. This is for all teenagers we your parents love you and would die for you, please please think before you drink. I know I would be ok with my son calling me and saying hey mom I have been drinking could you please come get me, I know most wouldn't do that but believe me we would much rather come and get you then to have to plan your funeral. please think about your family and what it would do to them to lose you. you have so much to live for don't give it away in a blink with a drink.
Posted by: concerned mother of a teenager
Praying for Healing
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 8:33 AM
You are right Amber, however all involved are suffering right now. I pray that God will comfort and heal the Estep family, the boys involved, and their families. I really hope that this has a positive impact on others. We are responsible for our decisions- whether or not to drink, drive, or ride with someone who has. I pray that others will make a conscientious decicion before they begin to drink how they will get home. No one thinks this horrific thing will happen to them- it certainly isn't planned.
Posted by: Melanie
im sorry
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 8:14 AM
they shouldnt have been drinking under age!!!
Posted by: amber hall
- Most Viewed
- Most Commented
- Berkeley star mourned; funeral set for Saturday
- Timberland-Hanahan football rescheduled for Saturday
- Are you ready for some football?
- Wolves win thrilling season opener, 13-6
- Berkeley football star killed in single car crash
- Sizemore the new voice of the district
- Berkeley Middle College offers head start for college-bound students
- Rider doesn’t let injury slow her down
- Local Church breaks bread with Wolves football team
- BHS student to participate in national program
- SC town moving to ban on illegal immigrants (16)
- Panel recommends raising SC's gas tax for roads (2)
- Home detention for SC cockfighting organizer (2)
- SC military veteran accused of killing 2 men (1)
- New multimedia display at SC coastal park (1)
- SC bridge race to start in waves (1)
- Family of SC sunbather run over by truck sues (1)
- Ex-SC councilman released from federal prison (1)
- Friends and classmates bid farewell to D.J. Weathers (0)
- Stags fall 17-14 in first game without Weathers (0)
- Suspect in Georgia beating linked to 2 SC killings
- Earl weakens but still powerful as it smacks NC
- Panel recommends raising SC's gas tax for roads
- Green Party US Senate candidate to open SC office
- More high surf, rip currents as Earl passes SC
- 2nd SC sheriff's deputy fired in inmate beating
- SC lawmaker wants to expand safe haven law
- Clemson LB Maye to have arthroscopic knee surgery
- Man arrested in 2005 shooting death of SC man
- Sheheen wants 5 SC governor debates with Haley
- Santee Cooper sets comment period on proposed changes to residential leases
- Santee Cooper sets comment period on proposed changes to residential leases
- Educators take part in Santee Cooper energy series
- Santee Cooper organizes 'flash mob' to celebrate major milestone in energy efficiency
- Santee Cooper approves 2010 bond sale
- Santee Cooper President and CEO Lonnie Carter assumes APPA chairmanship
- Santee Cooper hosts annual dinner
- Santee Cooper’s GOFER celebrates 20 years