Syntavion Prieste Obituary, Death – A second young man has died from injuries sustained in a severe car crash that occurred in Aiken County, South Carolina, just over ten days ago. The accident, which initially claimed the life of a teenager, has now resulted in further heartbreak for one local family.
Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables confirmed that 21-year-old Syntavion Priester of Williston passed away Tuesday afternoon. He was pronounced dead at 12:34 p.m. due to complications from injuries he suffered in the May 15 crash. According to authorities, Priester had been in the back seat of a vehicle involved in a high-speed collision and had been hospitalized in critical condition since the accident.
The crash occurred around 8:40 p.m. on Sheraton Drive near the intersection with Old Jackson Highway. Investigators say a 2014 Ford Fusion, in which Priester was riding, fled from a traffic stop. The car, reportedly speeding, ran a red light at the intersection and collided with a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban that was traveling south on Old Jackson Highway.
The impact was devastating. Emergency responders arrived at the scene quickly and transported all of the Fusion’s occupants to nearby hospitals. Tragically, 16-year-old Jaquavis Baptiste, who was riding in the front passenger seat of the Fusion, died later that evening from his injuries. The two young men were brothers, compounding the tragedy for their family and community.
An autopsy for Syntavion Priester has been scheduled for Wednesday in Newberry, which will provide further insight into the exact cause of death and the extent of his injuries. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities have not yet released information about the driver of the Ford Fusion, including their identity, condition, or whether any criminal charges may be forthcoming. However, the fact that the vehicle fled from a traffic stop and disregarded a traffic signal is likely to be central to the ongoing investigation.
Law enforcement agencies are looking into whether additional factors, such as reckless driving, impairment, or vehicle malfunction, may have contributed to the deadly crash. They are also working to determine why the driver attempted to evade police in the first place.
The loss of both brothers in the same tragic event has shocked the Williston and Aiken County communities. Friends, neighbors, and classmates have begun expressing their sorrow and support for the family through memorials, online tributes, and planned vigils. The deaths of two young individuals under such sudden and violent circumstances have left many searching for answers and grappling with deep grief.
Both Priester and Baptiste were remembered as close siblings with a strong bond. People who knew them described them as caring and lively young men with bright futures. Their loss leaves a lasting void in the lives of their loved ones.
As investigators continue to piece together what happened on the night of May 15, safety advocates are once again emphasizing the dangers of high-speed pursuits and fleeing from traffic stops. While police often face tough decisions in these moments, the risks involved—especially when speeds increase and public roadways are involved—can be deadly.
The intersection where the crash occurred is being reviewed for safety as well. Community members have expressed concern about traffic flow and visibility in the area. While it is not clear whether the intersection itself played a role in the collision, the combination of high speeds and running a red light turned it into the site of a fatal tragedy.
Coroner Ables has stated that updates will be provided as the investigation continues and once autopsy results are finalized. The findings may help bring some measure of closure to the family, though the loss of two sons, just days apart, will be difficult to reconcile for anyone involved.
Community leaders have urged residents to come together to support the grieving family, and local churches and support groups are expected to offer assistance in the coming days. Plans for memorial services for both brothers are likely underway, although no formal announcements have been made as of yet.
This incident serves as a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can be lost in avoidable situations. As the community mourns the deaths of Syntavion Priester and Jaquavis Baptiste, many are calling for greater awareness around road safety and responsible driving. In particular, they stress the importance of cooperation with law enforcement during traffic stops to prevent such fatal consequences.
In the days ahead, the South Carolina Highway Patrol will continue to gather information, interview witnesses, and analyze evidence from the crash site. The goal is to determine all contributing factors and, if necessary, hold any parties accountable for actions that led to the fatal outcome.
For now, the focus remains on supporting a family devastated by the loss of two young lives and reminding the public of the cost of unsafe driving decisions.