Grandmother comforting her grandson.
The tight-knit community of Horry County, South Carolina, is in mourning after the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy, identified as Jaiden Smalls in a shooting incident this past weekend. One of those greatly affected by this devastating loss is Pearl Martin, whose grandson was a close friend of young Jaiden. “This isn’t like a skinned knee. I can kiss that boo-boo away. I can’t kiss this away,” claimed a tearful Martin, battling to come to terms with the reality of what happened.
Martin’s grandson met Jaiden in Soar Academy, an alternative school located in Horry County, and they developed a friendship. Now, this young boy finds himself navigating an early encounter with grief, grappling with the loss of a friend to a violent act. “He’s not processing it. He’s been upset, he’s been sad. He’s confused. They’re not old enough to comprehend it, really,” she added.
In response to this grievous event, Horry County Schools has announced the provision of counselling services to help students cope. The school district released an official statement on Wednesday, recognizing the tragedy and expressing their desire to respect the privacy of the Smalls family during this challenging period.
With a rising alarm at the increasing incidents of gun violence, Pearl Martin expressed her deep concern for the younger generations. “What scares me is that these are kids. Here it is, another one is gone, another child. And it’s like, I don’t understand it,” she stated, her voice strained with worry and frustration.
Despite the additional security measures she had implemented in her household and her careful monitoring of her grandchildren’s activities, the harsh reality of gun violence has inched closer to home, amplifying her anxieties.
The Horry County police department, in a statement released on Tuesday, classified the tragic event as an ‘isolated incident involving juvenile residents in the same household.’ They assured residents that there was no ongoing risk to the local community and that all parties involved were accounted for.
However, the local community remains on high alert, with neighbors expressing worry about their safety. HERE News network will continue to provide updates on this tragic situation and the ongoing police investigation.
Author: HERE News
Source: HERE News Network
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