A South Carolina teenager lost his life in an unexpected incident on Monday.
The first responders arrived to save him after the incident, but it was too late.
The 10th grader’s family, friends, and schoolmates are grieving his death after the tragedy.
Like many other teenage boys, Evan Christopher Kinley loved playing football. The 15-year-old, a 10th grader at T.L. Hanna High School, was a member of the school’s football team and immensely loved by his parents, siblings, and grandparents.
Born to parents Amanda Spigener and Chris Kinley, Evan enjoyed outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He lived in Anderson, South Carolina, with his family, while his parents lived in separate homes with their new partners, Bruce Spigener and Sharlie Kinley.
Besides attending school, playing football, and participating in outdoor activities, the teenager firmly believed in God and often spent time at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. Having a passion for helping others, Evan also volunteered as a fireman at the Broadway Fire Department Station 8.
The young boy was living a good life, helping others, and spending time with his family when the unthinkable happened. He left home one day to visit his grandparents, unaware that it was the last time he was stepping out of his house.
What Happened to the Teenager?
It was a regular day for Evan and his family when he left his house on August 7, 2023, to visit his grandparents. But the teenager hadn’t even entered his grandparents’ home when an unexpected incident occurred.
Excited to see his grandparents, Evan stepped out of his car outside the house located on Arnold Drive near Kings Road. It was around 5 p.m. when he was walking towards the garage on a stormy afternoon.
Before the boy could reach the garage of his grandparents’ house, a tree ripped up by the storm fell on the boy. It was only a matter of seconds before the teenager found himself trapped under the heavy tree.
Soon, first responders arrived to rescue Evan, hoping they would get him out by chopping the tree, but it was too late. The boy had already succumbed to his injuries soon after the tree fell on him.
Evan’s unexpected demise shocked his family, friends, and schoolmates. They never thought the teenager would lose his life so soon. “Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 12, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church conducted by Pastor Chad Campbell,” the boy’s Obituary on Sullivan-King Mortuary’s website stated.
Meanwhile, Evan’s friends and schoolmates struggled to process the tragedy. The Anderson School District 5 announced that support staff would be available to help the students and staff members at T.L. Hanna High School deal with the loss. Their official statement said:
“Words never seem to convey comfort during a time like this, but please take a moment to remember why we are in the roles that we are, and please keep Evan, his family, and the TLH students, faculty, and staff in mind as you go about your day tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Evan’s grieving family shared their feelings about the tragedy on Facebook. His father, Chris Kinley, said, “You will forever be missed, my son!!! I love you so so very much!!!!!!”
Evan’s stepmother also shared a heartfelt note dedicated to the late boy. She said she felt “honored” to be his “bonus mom” and was proud of his achievements. “Our lives will never be the same. Until we meet again,” Sharlie wrote.