Saluda High band director, soccer coach dies in Irmo crash

SALUDA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A Saluda County High School band director and girls soccer coach has died after a crash in Irmo on Thursday.

Our sister station, WIS in Columbia, reported Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher identified Jennifer Brooke Wingate, 34, of Columbia as the victim.

“Our deepest condolences go out to her family and to those students and parents she taught, coached and collaborated with each day,” the school said in a statement.

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Chelsie B. Pittman, 31, is charged with felony driving under the influence, resulting in death; habitual offender, causing death when license has been canceled, suspended, or revoked; and driving under suspension, third or subsequent offense, according to reports.

The crash happened around 10:30 p.m. Thursday on the 1300 block of Lake Murray Boulevard, WIS reports.

According to Fisher, Wingate was traveling westbound on Lake Murray Boulevard when she was hit from behind by another car.

Wingate was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead, Fisher added.

“Jen was a loving, caring, talented, funny, young woman who was taken too quickly from us, for no reason. She was less than a month away from celebrating her 35th birthday. She loved teaching music and coaching the girls soccer team. She cared deeply about all her Saluda middle school and high school kids and faculty. She was a graduate of Newberry College and resided in Lexington, S.C. At this time, no arrangements have been made, and the family asks for privacy as we grieve this heartbreaking loss of a daughter, sister and friend,” Wingate’s family said in a statement.

The Irmo Police Department and South Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating the crash.

The school says district school counselors and local clergy will be available at the school to assist students and staff.

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