In Loving Memory of Henry L. Crittington and Terrell Thomas

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Henry L. Crittington and Terrell Thomas 🕊️

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, South Carolina — A cloud of sorrow hangs over the campus of South Carolina State University following a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of two young students and left another injured. What should have been an ordinary week in the lives of college students pursuing their dreams turned into heartbreak on February 12 inside Hugine Suites, a student residential complex on campus.

According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the shooting occurred inside a room at Hugine Suites. Authorities later charged 18-year-old Khamanti Lytrel Kennedy with two counts of murder. He was booked into the Orangeburg County Detention Center. The case will be prosecuted by the 1st Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the investigation remains ongoing.

But beyond the headlines, beyond the investigation and court proceedings, there are two young lives whose stories deserve to be remembered for who they were — not just how they died.

Remembering Henry L. Crittington

Henry L. Crittington, 19, was pronounced deceased at the scene. At just 19 years old, Henry was at the beginning of adulthood — building friendships, pursuing education, and shaping the path of his future. Friends describe him as a young man with ambition and quiet determination, someone who valued connection and community.

Henry represented hope — the hope that comes with stepping onto a college campus full of dreams and possibilities. His presence in classrooms, dorm halls, and among peers reflected a young life actively unfolding. His loss leaves an emptiness not only within his family but within the university community that watched him grow.

His loved ones now carry cherished memories — his laughter, his conversations, his goals — as they navigate a grief no parent or family member should ever endure.

Remembering Terrell Thomas

Terrell Thomas, just 18 years old, succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital. Only 18 — a milestone age symbolizing new beginnings, independence, and boundless potential.

Terrell is remembered as vibrant and full of life, a young man whose energy left an impression on those around him. Friends speak of his spirit, his warmth, and the way he could light up a room simply by being present. He had dreams still forming, aspirations still taking shape, and a future that should have stretched far ahead.

For his family, the pain is immeasurable. The loss of a child at any age is devastating, but to lose someone standing at the threshold of adulthood brings a particular heartbreak — the sorrow of “what could have been.”

A Community in Mourning

The shooting has shaken Orangeburg County and the entire South Carolina State University community. Students who once walked freely through Hugine Suites now carry a weight of grief and disbelief. Faculty, staff, and classmates are left trying to process how violence could enter a space meant for learning, growth, and safety.

Authorities report that three men were shot during the incident, with one survivor still hospitalized and receiving treatment. As investigations continue — including details suggesting the incident may have stemmed from a marijuana purchase — the focus for many remains on honoring the lives lost rather than dwelling solely on the circumstances.

Lives That Mattered

Henry and Terrell were more than statistics. They were sons, friends, classmates, and young men with stories still being written. Their lives mattered. Their presence mattered. Their dreams mattered.

College is a time of exploration — of late-night talks in dorm rooms, shared laughter in hallways, and the excitement of building a future. Those ordinary, beautiful moments now hold deeper meaning for the friends who shared them with Henry and Terrell.

As vigils are held and condolences pour in, the community is reminded of how fragile life can be. In the face of tragedy, students and residents alike are calling for unity, healing, and accountability — determined that these young men will not be forgotten.

Honoring Their Memory

Though their lives were cut tragically short, Henry L. Crittington and Terrell Thomas leave behind legacies of youth, promise, and connection. Their families now carry both profound grief and enduring love — love that does not fade, even in the shadow of tragedy.

May their memories continue to live on in the hearts of classmates who studied beside them, friends who laughed with them, and family members who cherished them beyond measure.

🕊️ Rest in peace, Henry L. Crittington and Terrell Thomas. Your time here was far too brief, but your lives will never be forgotten. 🕊️