A Landrum family and the Landrum community is grieving after 17-year-old Michael Collin Wessinger died in a one-car accident Monday, Jan. 6.
District One Schools released a statement saying Landrum High School students and staff are deeply saddened over the passing of Collin. Collin was a junior at Landrum High School and the son of Cindy and Kevin Wessinger.
District One Schools counselors, administrators, local clergy and school-based mental health professionals are on hand at Landrum high and schools in the area to provide assistance to students and staff.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Collin’s family during this difficult time,” said Landrum High School Principal Brian Sherman. “Our students and faculty have lost a wonderful young man and our hearts are very heavy today.”
Students left dozens of messages on Collin’s Facebook wall recalling recent memories with the teen, while the school lowered both flags to half staff.
Caroline Gilliam wrote, “I’m gonna miss you! You were a great guy and friend! I won’t forget last week and me trying to get you to dance and last night talking about getting breakfast today. You will forever be in my heart I love you! RIP Collin Wessinger.”
Grant Upton said, “I still can’t get over it…there is a group of guys in that class I consider my little brothers, Collin, you were definitely one of them.”
The highway patrol officer said Wessinger was traveling west on Landrum Mill Rd. when his 2006 Ford Mustang veered off the road and hit a tree. Wessinger died at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt.