Mayor of Summerton Dies in Car Crash
SUMMERTON, S.C. (AP) — Tony Junious, the mayor of Summerton, was killed in a car accident on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
According to the Clarendon County Coroner's Office, the 48-year-old Junious was involved in a collision at an intersection west of Summerton. He was driving one of two cars that collided; his vehicle subsequently struck a ditch. Junious succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The driver of the other vehicle sustained injuries and was also transported to the hospital. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation into the incident.
Junious was elected as the town's first Black mayor in 2022. A statement on the town's Facebook page indicated that residents are in shock over his untimely death, noting, “Mayor Tony Junious' life was dedicated to public service and his love for the Town of Summerton was constantly on display.”
Authorities said further details will be released as the investigation continues.