Viktoria Vasiliye Melnik was walking along the northbound lane of Highway 357 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina (SC) when her life came to a tragic end. A 1980 Ford pickup truck, driven by Gary Watson, hit Viktoria and killed her, according to wpsa.com. She was just 19 years old.
My deepest condolences go out to Ms. Melnik’s friends and family. Accidents of this nature are always terrible, but it’s even worse when someone so young is taken from us far too soon.
This fatal accident highlights the importance of well-lit, properly designated pedestrian walking lanes on highways. Many highways lack quality pedestrian walkways forcing people to put their lives in danger by walking on the side of the road and in the pathway of vehicles.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.
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5 Comments
sarra kuzmenko
November 1st, Viktoria Melnik got taken away by the lords angels.. She was so young, now shes in God's hands. She was a very bright and positive side Cousin. I Love Her.
Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton
I'm so very sorry for your loss Sarra. I know this is a difficult moment, but stay strong and reflect on all the fond memories you have of Viktoria.
Please send my sympathies to the rest of the family.
Question
What was a 19 year old girl doing at 1:15am walking on a highway so far away from home? Where's the parents supervision? Where's the common sense?
Viktoriya Kuzmenko
When I will once again visit south carolina like i do every year with my family, it will never be the same. This tragic event effected my whole family as she was a dear cousin of mine. This is a reminder to all. Life can be taken away any instant. We must always be ready for eternity. To those who are are lost and confused, grasp onto every chance life gives you, to make a difference.
Jesus is our only HOPE! The Melnik family will stay in my prayers! Stay strong! God Bless!
Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton
“What was a 19 year old girl doing at 1:15am walking on a highway so far away from home? Where's the parents supervision? Where's the common sense?”
I believe the question of why Ms. Melnik was walking along Highway 357 will be answered as the investigation continues. However, I don’t think it’s fair to presume a lack of parental supervision or judgment in this situation. Keep in mind, Ms. Melnik was 19, so she was technically a legal adult and therefore exempt from any curfew laws in South Carolina. We need to wait until all the facts come in.
Also, young people who cannot afford a car are sometimes forced to walk places. A motorist is not free to hit and harm a pedestrian. The driver has to be ready to avoid running into deer, bicyclists, and other things on or near the road. The blame is not on the woman who was within her rights to share the road.
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