Two 19-year-old women serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard lost their lives in a tragic car accident on March 16. Carol Santiago and Krystal Lopez were involved in a head-on collision with a pickup truck, resulting in the death of both young women. Santiago passed away at the scene, while Lopez and the driver of the truck were hospitalized. Sadly, Lopez succumbed to her injuries on March 23, following the accident. The South Carolina Army National Guard expressed their grief and offered condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers.
The 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, to which Santiago and Lopez belonged, paid tribute to the young women, emphasizing their dedication, bright smiles, and pride in their service. Col. Linda J. Riedel, the brigade’s commander, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the soldiers, remembering them for their willingness to help and their commitment while in uniform. The death of both Santiago and Lopez has deeply impacted their comrades in the National Guard, with Major General Van McCarty stating that there is no way to comprehend such a devastating loss. The entire South Carolina National Guard community is in mourning and has asked for thoughts and prayers for the families of the fallen soldiers.
Carol Santiago, a human resources specialist from Lancaster, South Carolina, was a member of the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade. She had received the Army Service Ribbon and served her country with distinction. Krystal Lopez, also from Lancaster, was a paralegal specialist within the same brigade. The two young women were dedicated soldiers who had bright futures ahead of them. The tragic accident that took their lives has left a void in the South Carolina Army National Guard and their absence will be deeply felt by their colleagues and loved ones.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and Union County coroner have launched an investigation into the collision that resulted in the deaths of Santiago and Lopez. The details surrounding the accident remain under scrutiny as authorities work to determine the cause of the head-on collision. While the investigation continues, the Army National Guard community is coming together to support each other in the wake of this tragedy. The loss of two young soldiers has left a profound impact on their fellow service members, who are grieving the untimely deaths of their comrades.
The leadership of the South Carolina Army National Guard has expressed their condolences and support for the families of Carol Santiago and Krystal Lopez. The entire 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade is mourning the loss of two of their own, remembering them for their dedication, pride, and willingness to serve. The tragic accident serves as a reminder of the risks that service members face, even while off duty. The legacy of Santiago and Lopez will be remembered with honor and respect within the South Carolina Army National Guard, as their colleagues continue to mourn their passing and honor their memory.
