‘They died together’: 8-year-old, 16-year-old girls riding ATV killed in crash with tractor-trailer

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - Friends and family gathered Tuesday night to remember two girls who died in an ATV crash over the weekend in South Carolina.

The Orangeburg County coroner identified the girls as 8-year-old Ania Chalk and 16-year-old Jada Fludd, of Calhoun County.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a tractor-trailer hit the ATV the girls were riding on near the intersection with U.S. Route 601 and Scenic Drive.

The girls took the ATV for a ride just hours before Jada’s 17th birthday.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured in the crash, according to investigators.

Ania’s grandmother, Yolanda Johnson, said she never imagined that they wouldn’t return.

“They did everything together. Actually, it’s sad to say, but they died together,” Johnson said.

Johnson said many wouldn’t have been able to tell the girls were eight years apart.

Kareem Fludd, Jada’s brother, said he loved both girls and will never forget the impact they had on his life. He said his sister was always the best person to be around and part of his heart feels gone since her death.

“They were very joyful,” Kareem Fludd said. “Everyone around them loved them, like no matter who it was, you didn’t know them. They were very lovable. They were almost perfect to me.”

Family members said the girls had giving hearts. They are being remembered for their ability to live life to the fullest and for their friendship.

“It felt like my heart was going away as well,” Kareem Fludd added. “I just love those girls so much. Like I said, I had them. That’s how I feel about them. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for them, both of them. My niece, my sister, those are my girls. I love them.”

Jada attended Orangeburg High School for Health Professionals. A vigil and moment of silence was held for her at the start of school with music and words of comfort from Jada’s friends and faculty.

School officials said they had grief counselors on campus for students and employees in need of support.

Members of the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office and local ministers have been on campus as well.

The family held a memorial balloon release to celebrate the girls’ lives and what would’ve been Jada’s 17th birthday.

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