The Greenville community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 15-year-old Chasity Unique Nelson, a bright and spirited teenager who dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, after she was killed in a drunk driving crash on the Fourth of July.
Chasity and four of her best friends — affectionately called the “Fab-5” by loved ones — were riding in a Toyota Camry when a Jeep Cherokee ran a traffic light and hit them head-on, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol. The crash happened on July 4, and Chasity succumbed to her injuries four days later on July 8, Fox Carolina reported.
Her death has devastated family, classmates, and the J.L. Mann High School community, where she was a rising sophomore and a cheerleader. Her aunt, Andrea Gray, described the grief as overwhelming.
“Seeing her in the hospital, it was an emotional nightmare,” Gray told WYFF News. “It’s just hard to put into words, the anger that not only myself but so many of our family members feel because this could have all been prevented.”
Chasity was remembered at a prayer vigil where hundreds gathered to honor her life. Her mother, speaking through tears, asked for continued prayers — not only for her family but especially for the four other girls who survived the crash and are still recovering.
“That’s why I really came out here,” her mother said. “Because they are still fighting. Chasity lost her battle, but they are still fighting.”
Chanel Parks, another family member, shared that Chasity had a gentle heart and an unmatched love for animals. “She had desires of becoming a veterinarian. She really loved being around animals. And had a real desire of wanting to help.”
According to WYFF, the driver of the Jeep is currently hospitalized and will face multiple charges once released — including one count of felony DUI resulting in death and four counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury. His name has not yet been released.
“She was just a great person to be around,” Gray said about Chasity. “Always smiling. Always joking. And yes — she loved her animals.”
As tributes continue to pour in, those who knew Chasity remember her for her deep love for her siblings and the joy she brought to every room.
