FORT MILL, S.C. — Crossing guards for the Fort Mill School District refused to show up to work on Thursday and Friday after it was determined the driver who hit and killed a crossing guard earlier last week won't face charges.
Stanley Brucker, 61, died due to his injuries. He was hit by a driver while directing traffic near Fort Mill Elementary and Fort Mill Middle on March 21. His death was ruled an accident.
While the school district was not able to confirm the cause of the limited crossing guards, a Fort Mill crossing guard told WCNC Charlotte it was directly related to the lack of charges against the driver involved in the deadly crash.
A spokesperson for the district told WCNC Charlotte that more guards were on duty Friday but there are still several locations that aren't staffed. Fort Mill Police has an increased presence in school zones with officers helping direct traffic.
The 16th Circuit Solicitor's Office said it reviewed evidence by the Fort Mill Police Department from the investigation and found the evidence doesn't support a criminal charge against the driver of the vehicle.
The solicitor's office reviewed statements from witnesses and video captured by a school bus that was stopped at the exit of the school, and members of the solicitor's office met with the Fort Mill Police Department and some of Brucker's family before making that information public.
At the time of the incident, Brucker was standing in the median in the middle of Springfield Parkway, holding a stop sign and directing traffic. He was turned sideways facing the school and a school bus preparing to turn, and the hand-held stop sign was facing the school bus. He stepped into a lane closer to the school, which is when the vehicle hit him, according to the solicitor's office.
He was not facing the direction of the vehicle nor was he displaying the stop sign toward the approaching driver at the time, according to the investigation. Officials said the driver who hit him was not driving recklessly or dangerously.
Brucker was not escorting children across the road at the time.
"Regrettably, this is a tragic accident for both Mr. Brucker and the driver of the vehicle," a news release from the Solicitor's Office said. "We extend our condolences to all who have been impacted by this event."
Crossing guards say more needs to be done, like adding "additional officers [and] traffic lights" to ensure they're safe as well.
“I’ve been doing this for about three years and I’ve had two times where I could’ve been taken out," explained one crossing guard. “Without us directing traffic, they’re going to hear a lot form parents and bus drivers because they won’t be able to get in and out as conveniently as when we’re directing."
The Fort Mill superintendent has since shared the following message with district families on Facebook:
"Dear FMSD Family,
I am reaching out to address the recent tragedy that has deeply impacted our district, providing important information on our response process and the current status of traffic control measures.
The entire FMSD community is profoundly saddened by the loss we have endured. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mr. Brucker's family during this incredibly difficult time. While Mr. Brucker was not a direct employee of the district, he was an integral part of our extended school family. There are simply no words to alleviate the pain of losing a loved one, but we hope his family can find solace in the support of our community as they navigate through their grief.
In light of this tragic event, our Crisis Team Counselors are available for the foreseeable future to offer support to any student or staff member in need of assistance in coping with this loss. We urge anyone who feels the need to talk to someone about this tragedy to reach out without hesitation.
During such trying times, our priority as a district is to focus on the impacted school communities. We have worked closely with the principals of Fort Mill Elementary and Middle Schools to disseminate information regarding the incident within their respective communities. We understand the importance of allowing due process to unfold and, as such, may not always be able to communicate broadly with our entire school community immediately. Our foremost concern is those directly affected, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of exercising caution and remaining vigilant when traveling through school zones. We urge everyone to be especially mindful during drop-off and dismissal times, spreading awareness about the necessity of ensuring the safety of our community. Collaborating with SCDOT, law enforcement, local municipalities, and external organizations, the district is actively working to enhance safety measures at our school entrances, exits, and crossings. While specific changes are still under discussion, rest assured that these conversations are ongoing.
Given the current shortage of crossing guards, we have sought immediate assistance from relevant agencies. While we work towards long-term solutions, these agencies are providing available support to help manage traffic flow. I personally appeal to our entire community to exercise patience, caution, and awareness when traveling in school zones.
Lastly, having lived and worked in this community for my entire life, I have witnessed its growth and evolution. Through it all, our unwavering love and support for each other, as well as the family atmosphere we cherish, have remained constants. Let us lean on these foundations as we come together to mourn the loss of Mr. Brucker and strive to make our community safer for everyone.
As we head into Spring Break next week, I hope everyone will take time to reflect on this tragic incident, spend time with your family, stay safe and return ready to complete the school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chuck Epps
Superintendent
Fort Mill Schools"