Fundraiser Launched To Raise Money For Experts In Kadie Major Death Investigation

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – The mother of a 26-year-old pregnant woman whose body was found near railroad tracks off of Oakley Road in Berkeley County twelve years ago has launched a GoFundMe campaign to hire experts to examine her daughter’s case.

On Jan. 17, 2008, deputies say Kadie Major, 26, and her 10-month-old daughter, River, were killed when a train struck them. Major was four months pregnant at the time.

Initially, Major’s death was ruled a suicide based on a note found in the young mother’s pocket. However, her mother, Vicky Hall, was never convinced and continues to blame the former lead investigator, Rick Ollic, for botching the case. Ollic is currently the police chief for Moncks Corner.

” I just remember them looking at me in the eye and saying, ‘Your daughter had a mental illness, and she did this,'” Hall told 48 Hours in an interview.

In Sept. 2018, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office took a closer look at the case and reopened it. Sheriff Duane Lewis, who was not sheriff during the time of the case, doesn’t believe the young mother took her own life.

“We have uncovered information that initially it was believed Kadie was suicidal, I can tell you that is not the case,” Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis said. “We’re looking at everything, we are all open-minded about this case and where it takes us, still some work to do.”

In May 2019, investigators said Major’s husband, Aaron, was considered the only suspect in the case, according to Live 5 News.

Earlier this month, Hall hired high-profile, wrongful death attorney John Q. Kelly to help her seek justice in her daughter and granddaughter’s death as well as the death of Majors’ unborn son. Kelly’s past clients include the family of Nicole Brown Simpson and Natalee Holloway.

Vicky Hall, the mother of Kadie Major, talks to media. — Pictured: Vicky Hall speaks to media after BCSO announced in 2018 it was reopening the case.

“I am hoping he can bring evidence to the coroner and sheriff to convince them to change the [death] ruling,” Hall said. “I know for a fact he is already extensively working hard in that direction.”

Investigating the case has become costly for Hall. She said she has reluctantly taken to GoFundMe to raise additional money to hire experts to determine how the injuries happened.

“I had always hoped to never have to ask for financial help with a GoFundMe account, but my resources are limited,” she wrote on the page. “In order to keep going with all the extra costs, I sure appreciate any help that anyone can so generously offer.”

Hall is hoping to raise at least $45,000 on the platform. As of Thursday, more than $3,400 has been raised.

To donate to Hall’s GoFundMe account, click this link. According to Hall, the money will not be used for civil litigation since the wrongful death statute has passed. The money will only be used for legal and expert assistance.

If you have any information in this case, contact Crimestoppers at 843-554-1111. You can remain anonymous.

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