UMO Mourns Loss of Fourth Student in Fatal Crash

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2020

Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations

UMO Announces Passing of Chaney Partrich

MOUNT OLIVE-“It seems almost incomprehensible that in the past eight days, the University of Mount Olive has mourned the loss of four students,” said UMO Interim President Dr. Edward Croom.  “But, today we learned that Chaney Partrich has succumbed to the injuries she sustained in that deadly crash which occurred on Friday, March 13. We, as a community, are grieving with her family and friends at a life lost much too soon.”

Partrich was a freshman exercise science major from Chapin, SC.  Her death brings the total loss of life from that deadly crash at the intersection of Indian Springs Road and Highway 55 to four.    

Madison Mergl of Sayville, NY; Ann Wray of Oakland, NJ; Jett Swetland from Sparta, OH; and now Chaney Partrich have all died as a result of the injuries they sustained in that accident.

“These parents, their extended families, their friends, their teammates, and our entire campus community are devastated,” said Croom.  “Words cannot express our heartfelt sorrow.”

Croom encouraged continued prayers of healing for Alex Eubanks, Tiffany Lee, and Amber McCarthy.   

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has education service centers in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Jacksonville, and Washington. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.