Daniel Waln, Sherry Short Obituary, Death News – Two days ago, a tragic six-vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 26 in South Carolina, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to five others. According to reports, the accident was triggered when a Chevrolet traveling westbound veered off the road, broke through the median, and collided head-on with an eastbound GMC SUV. The force of the impact caused four additional vehicles in the eastbound lanes to become involved in the crash.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol identified the victims as 34-year-old Daniel Waln, who was driving the Chevrolet, and 61-year-old Sherry Short, the driver of the GMC. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. The five other people involved in the crash were taken to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident, but no further updates have been released at this time.
The crash has deeply affected the college basketball community, especially following the news that Daniel Waln, one of the victims, was a respected assistant basketball coach at Saint Leo University. Waln had recently joined the coaching staff for the 2024–25 season, having previously served as an assistant coach at Santa Fe Community College.
Waln’s coaching résumé was notable and respected within Division II college basketball. His career included positions at Catawba College, West Virginia Wesleyan College, and Lees-McRae College. While at Catawba, Waln held the role of Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. Under his leadership, the program achieved significant success, making four appearances in the NCAA Tournament and capturing three South Atlantic Conference Championships. He was particularly praised for his recruiting ability, which brought two Player of the Year honorees and numerous All-Conference athletes to the program. His skill in offensive strategy and player development was credited with elevating team performance during his tenure.
Additionally, Waln had worked at Coastal Carolina as a Special Assistant, where he gained further experience and built a reputation for identifying and developing top-tier talent. His efforts led to some of the strongest recruiting classes at the institutions where he coached.
Saint Leo University expressed deep sorrow at Waln’s unexpected passing and praised the impact he had already made in his short time with their program. His contributions to the sport and to the student-athletes he mentored were widely recognized, and his loss is felt across the collegiate basketball community.
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of this fatal collision, family members, friends, colleagues, and players are mourning the loss of a dedicated coach and mentor. Thoughts and condolences have been extended to all those affected by this devastating accident.
