Loris High School Band remembers student killed by alleged drunk driver

LORIS, SC (WMBF) – The Loris High School Marching Band honored a student lost all season in an alleged drunk driving accident. Saturday’s Loris Band Day was no exception.

This is the familiar sound of a marching band that many people know.

But things are different now for many due to a tragic loss.

“She was always full of joy and one of the nicest people ever,” Beyonce Dominguez recalls.

“He was very dedicated. He is very loyal to his band and his friends,” said Band Director Stephen Whisnant.

“He was probably the most dedicated person in our group. “I mean training non-stop,” Timothy Hemingway said.

Sean Herd was killed this summer when he was hit by an allegedly drunk driver on his way home from band camp.

He and band director Stephen Whisnant had a special relationship and a special nickname to match.

Whisnant called him “floppy-head” because of his hair.

His friends were shocked by his death.

With bracket season fast approaching, they knew they wanted to do something.

“We want to dedicate this whole year to it, so that’s what it’s all about,” Hemingway explained.

For many, the first few weeks of the season without Sean were not easy.

“It was hard for a lot of us, and I mean we had to keep our strength and our faith in our lord and keep moving forward,” Hemingway said.

Loris High School honored him all season long, but other schools showed their support as well.

“Every group in Horry County did something to commemorate him this year again,” Whisnant said.

He was honored once again on Saturday as bands gathered for the 35th Loris Band Day.

With a cup and heartfelt respect from the band.

Carolina Forest won this year’s competition, where 15 schools did their best.

While the Cup is a beautiful and fun day, it marks the end of a season for so much more.

“Not only are we here to bring us all together, we’re also here for Sean,” Dominguez said.

The family also started a scholarship as a way to honor Sean’s legacy.

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