By CAROLYN CLICK – The State, SC

The grievous path away from a charred Ocean Isle Beach house has not been easy for those who lost loved ones in the deadly, swift-moving blaze or for those who miraculously escaped the flames.

But when families gather today at the base of the Odell Williamson bridge, it will be testament to the fierce task of survival, of remembering the contributions of seven bright young South Carolinians who died too young.

The town of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., just across the border from South Carolina, will unveil a cross-shaped monument to the six USC students and one Clemson student who died Oct. 28 in the canalside three-story beach house.

The names of the seven — Cassidy Pendley, 18; Lauren Mahon, 18; Justin Anderson, 19; Travis Cale, 19; Allison Walden, 19; William Rhea, 18; and Emily Yelton, 19 — are inscribed on a granite stone at the base of the cross.

It carries the date of the fire and the inscription “Friends together forever,” a fitting epitaph for a warm, carefree college weekend that went terribly awry.

The seven died from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities believe the fire started accidentally near the rear of the house.

Six USC students survived the blaze, including William Rhea’s older brother, Andrew.

For those family members and survivors who travel to North Carolina, the journey will be emotionally arduous, said the Rev. Eric Skidmore.

“People have to come to that kind of event in their own time,” said Skidmore, who as director of the S.C. Law Enforcement Assistance Program has counseled hundreds who have experienced death and trauma.

“Sometimes, folks never come,” he said. “Sometimes people are never able to come to that kind of group setting, where other mourners, other survivors are present. It is just overwhelming.”

Skidmore and his colleagues work with families of those killed in the line of duty and those who have died in hunting and boating accidents.

“We don’t all grieve in the same way,” he said. “Some folks seem to have an uncanny ability to ‘work on their grief’ in a variety of ways” through assistance of mental health professionals, through service to others, and through pathways of prayer, art, music and memorial gardens.

“I must say that when we lose someone suddenly and traumatically, it seems to me that the journey through the traumatic bereavement is a road best traveled in the company of others.”For the most part, that has been the path chosen by family members of those who died.

SOMETHING MY DAUGHTER WOULD HAVE DONE

In the seven months since her daughter Lauren was killed, Kaaren Mannhas become an advocate for fire safety, especially the use of sprinkler systems.

The Ocean Isle Beach house had smoke alarms, but no sprinklers.

Mann went before a S.C. Senate subcommittee in February to press for legislation that would provide tax breaks to those who install fire sprinkler systems in commercial and residential structures.

“It hasn’t been easy,” Mann said. “But I believe it’s something my daughter would’ve done if she’d lived through the fire.”

Along with the families of the other Ocean Isle Beach fire victims, Mann is working on a 30-second public service announcement to educate the public on the cost effectiveness and importance of sprinklers in homes.

“Even if the legislation passes for incentives to put in sprinklers, people don’t know that much about them,” she said. “There’s a misconception that they’ll flood your house.

“That’s not the case. They’re heat sensitive, and just one or two would go. They would put the fire out in the early stages.”

To read the full article click here.