Current:Home > MarketsFamily of South Carolina teacher killed by falling utility pole seeks better rural infrastructure-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Family of South Carolina teacher killed by falling utility pole seeks better rural infrastructure
View Date:2024-12-24 00:02:50
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The family of a 31-year-old teacher killed last week after a falling utility pole violently struck her in a small South Carolina town is taking aim at poor rural infrastructure, saying that contributed to an avoidable death.
Jeunelle Robinson was walking on her lunch break Aug. 23 down a Main Street intersection in Wagener when, officials say, a tractor-trailer snagged overhead power lines. That brought multiple poles falling to the ground and one of them directly hit Robinson so forcefully she died later that day at a hospital.
A lawyer for Robinson’s relatives said Tuesday the wooden post wouldn’t have collapsed so easily if utility companies had maintained equipment in the rural community as efficiently as they do in the city. Wagener is a town of roughly 600 people about 35 miles (55 kilometers) southwest of Columbia, the state capital.
State Rep. Justin Bamberg, an attorney representing the family, said the leaning poles in Wagener had been rotting. In a video played at a Tuesday news conference, Wagener Mayor Michael Miller, 69, recognized a soft drink bottle cap that he had nailed to one of the fallen poles as an 8- or 9-year-old boy.
Bamberg said the incident highlights the “darker side” of lacking investments from businesses relied upon by rural residents for necessities such as electricity.
“The utter and complete failure from a lot of people who have more money than the state of South Carolina took her,” he said.
It’s unclear which utility companies oversaw the poles at the intersection. Dominion Energy, which services parts of the area, acknowledged in a recently announced power line project that some electricity equipment needed replacing after 60 years in service.
Dominion Energy SC did not immediately respond to an email and phone call seeking more information.
State Sen. Brad Hutto vowed to examine utility regulations when the legislative session begins next January. He wants to ensure that companies report the results of their inspections and that some state agency monitors efforts to address any issues discovered by the utilities.
Bamberg is asking that utility companies invest $20 million into local power infrastructure and compensate the Robinson estate with $100 million for the family’s pain and suffering. He is also requesting $10 million to fund an annual scholarship for college students pursuing careers as public educators.
Robinson’s father said her name means “young girl” — a name reflecting the “youth” and “sparkle” that touched everyone, especially her students.
“She wasn’t a quitter. She loved those kids,” Donovan Julian said. “She’d say those were her kids.”
—-
Pollard is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
veryGood! (622)
Related
- Elena Rose has made hits for JLo, Becky G and more. Now she's stepping into the spotlight.
- See Drew Barrymore’s Tearful Message to Adam Sandler After Watching The Wedding Singer
- China says experts cracked Apple AirDrop encryption to prevent transmission of inappropriate information
- Julia Roberts Shares Sweet Glimpse Into Relationship With Husband Danny Moder
- These Michael Kors’ Designer Handbags Are All Under $150 With an Extra 22% off for Singles’ Day
- In Taiwan’s election Saturday, who are the 3 candidates trying to become president?
- New York City schools feeling strain of migrant surge
- Japan launches an intelligence-gathering satellite to watch for North Korean missiles
- Social media star squirrel euthanized after being taken from home tests negative for rabies
- Natalia Grace GoFundMe asks $20,000 for surgeries, a 'fresh start in life'
Ranking
- Chris Evans Shares Thoughts on Starting a Family With Wife Alba Baptista
- Spend the Long Weekend Shopping Jaw-Dropping Sales From Free People, SKIMS, & More
- A Danish appeals court upholds prison sentences for Iranian separatists convicted of terror charges
- Abercrombie & Fitch’s Activewear Sale Is Fire with 30% off Everything, Plus an Extra 20% off
- When does 'Dune: Prophecy' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch prequel series
- Wisconsin Senate GOP leader working on income tax cut for families with up to $200,000 in earnings
- Who is Crown Prince Frederik, Denmark’s soon-to-be king?
- 'I just want to give them all a hug': Massachusetts Peloton group leaves servers $7,200 tip
Recommendation
-
A Pipeline Runs Through It
-
Ronnie Long's wrongful conviction is shocking — Unless you study the US justice system
-
Starting Five: The top men's college basketball games this weekend are led by Big 12 clash
-
YouTubers Austin and Catherine McBroom Break Up After Nearly 7 Years of Marriage
-
Caitlin Clark has one goal for her LPGA pro-am debut: Don't hit anyone with a golf ball
-
Stock market today: World shares are mixed, while Tokyo’s benchmark extends its New Year rally
-
Judy Blume to receive lifetime achievement award for ‘Bravery in Literature’
-
Ariana Grande Returns to Music With First Solo Song in 3 Years yes, and?”