A 9-year-old boy from Greenville County lost his life after being struck by a pickup truck while riding a skateboard across a road in Mauldin.
The incident happened on Wednesday evening, June 3, around 6:30 p.m. in the area of Wild Dogwood Way, according to officials.
Authorities say the child had been riding in a private driveway when he moved toward the roadway. At that moment, a pickup truck passing through the area collided with him.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported him to a nearby hospital, but he did not survive his injuries. Officials confirmed that the driver of the truck was not hurt.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office later identified the child as 9-year-old Za’Mier Messiah-Marshawn Neal.
Investigators ruled the death as an accident while both the coroner’s office and South Carolina Highway Patrol continue to review the circumstances surrounding what happened.
Family members described Za’Mier as a kind and loving child who brought warmth to those around him.
They shared that he was known for his bright smile and caring nature, something that made a strong impression on everyone who knew him.
He was one of five siblings and had just completed fourth grade at Robert E. Cashion Elementary School.
The timing has made the loss even more painful for his family. Za’Mier was just days away from his 10th birthday, which would have been on June 9.
Loved ones have planned a prayer gathering and balloon release on that same day at 6 p.m. at the location connected to the incident, as a way to honor his memory and bring people together in support.
The community continues to grieve as investigators work to understand how the incident unfolded.