ROCK HILL, S.C. — The Rock Hill community is grieving the loss of Jalen Benjamin, a beloved teacher and baseball coach at Legion Collegiate Academy (LCA), who was tragically killed in a car accident on August 10, 2024, while on his way to support his team at a game in Sumter.
The fatal crash occurred on I-20 in Kershaw County when a tractor-trailer failed to stop for traffic, causing a devastating chain reaction involving three vehicles. Benjamin, affectionately known as “J-Rock,” was driving a Ford pickup that was struck from behind, causing it to overturn. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He was just 29 years old.
At LCA, where Benjamin was cherished by students and staff alike, the news of his death has left a deep void. Principal Julie Marshall spoke about the overwhelming grief that swept through the school, recalling the tears of Benjamin’s team as they processed the loss of a coach who had touched so many lives with his kindness and dedication.
“Jalen’s smile and energy were infectious,” said Michael Drummond, LCA’s athletic director. “His presence in the building made a huge impact, and he was always giving, always supportive.”
In honor of Benjamin’s life and legacy, LCA has established a memorial scholarship aimed at helping students in need—reflecting the generosity and compassion that Benjamin embodied. The school aims to raise at least $10,000 this fall to support students pursuing higher education, ensuring that Benjamin’s spirit of giving continues to inspire others.
The community has rallied around Benjamin’s family, raising over $17,000 for funeral expenses, surpassing the original goal. A memorial service for Benjamin is scheduled for August 17 at Oakdale Baptist Church in Rock Hill, where friends, family, and students will gather to celebrate the life of a coach who left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
As the Rock Hill community mourns, they also find strength in honoring Benjamin’s legacy—one that will continue to uplift and support future generations through the scholarship in his name. The tragedy of losing Coach Benjamin has sparked a movement of giving and remembrance, ensuring that his impact will be felt for years to come.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the accident, but one thing is certain: Jalen Benjamin’s memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched, both on and off the field.
