The quiet stretch of Asheville Highway in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, turned into a scene of heartbreak Sunday afternoon when two young boys lost their lives in a crash that authorities say may have been preventable. What started as an ordinary day ended with flashing lights, sirens, and a community shaken to its core.
According to officials, the collision happened near the intersection of Asheville Highway and Brock Street. Investigators say a 2016 Honda Accord carrying two people veered off the right side of the road and struck two children who were riding their bicycles on the sidewalk. The boys were not in the roadway when the car left its lane.
The victims have been identified as 12-year-old Dereon James Robins and 9-year-old Mikhail-Lee Smith, both from Spartanburg. They were rushed from the scene with critical injuries as emergency responders worked quickly to save them. Despite those efforts, both boys later died from their injuries.
Authorities confirmed that one of the children was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other passed away after being taken to the hospital. Witnesses, including family members nearby, tried desperately to help in those first moments, performing CPR until paramedics arrived. It was a frantic and emotional effort that underscored just how sudden and devastating the crash was.
Early findings from the South Carolina Highway Patrol suggest that the driver lost control before leaving the roadway. Investigators are also looking into whether excessive speed and impairment played a role in what happened. Officials stress that these details remain preliminary as the investigation continues.
The driver has been identified as Eri Otoniel Roberto Perez. He now faces serious charges, including two counts of driving under the influence resulting in death and operating a vehicle without a valid license. Authorities say more charges could follow as they gather additional evidence.
Another person inside the Honda Accord was also taken to the hospital, though their condition has not been made public. Meanwhile, law enforcement continues to piece together exactly how the crash unfolded, working to determine every factor that led to the deadly moment.
Back in Spartanburg, the loss is being felt deeply. Two young boys, riding their bikes on a sidewalk where they should have been safe, are now gone. Families are grieving, neighbors are shaken, and many are calling for accountability as the case moves forward through the legal system.
