BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office recently paused to remember two officers killed in the line of duty twelve years ago.
On November 19, 2002 Berkeley Co. Sheriff’s Deputy Marion Wright and Patrolman William Bell with the Summerville Police Department were struck and killed around 6:00 pm on Highway 17A by a driver, Brian L. Nelson, who was under the influence of prescription seizure medication, officials stated.
Nelson’s license reportedly had been previously revoked due to his condition and medication.
Deputy Wright, who had just finished his shift and was headed home, stopped to assist a disabled motorist when Patrolman Bell stopped to assist him.
According to the Berkeley Co. Sheriff’s Office, as the two officers changed the flat tire on the car, the oncoming driver left the roadway, hitting both patrol cars, the disabled vehicle, and both officers.
They were killed instantly. Wright died of a fractured skull and Deputy Bell died of a broken neck.
A witness to the incident prevented Nelson from leaving the scene and held him until other officers arrived.
He was charged with felony driving under the influence and convicted of two counts of reckless homicide and sentenced to two 10-year terms to run consecutively.
“It never matters how much time has passed, our fallen never leave our hearts,†wrote the Berkeley Co. Sheriff’s Office on its official Facebook page.
Deputy Wright, 27, had served with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department for 2 years. He is survived by his daughter.
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