‘I Can’t Kiss This Away’: Grandmother Helps Grandson Mourning Friend Killed in Shooting
A Tragic Loss
The tight-knit community of Horry County, South Carolina, is in mourning after the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy, identified as Jaiden Smalls in a shooting incident this past weekend. One of those greatly affected by this devastating loss is Pearl Martin, whose grandson was a close friend of young Jaiden. “This isn’t like a skinned knee. I can kiss that boo-boo away. I can’t kiss this away,” claimed a tearful Martin, battling to come to terms with the reality of what happened.
Unresolved Grief
Martin’s grandson met Jaiden in Soar Academy, an alternative school located in Horry County, and they developed a friendship. Now, this young boy finds himself navigating an early encounter with grief, grappling with the loss of a friend to a violent act. “He’s not processing it. He’s been upset, he’s been sad. He’s confused. They’re not old enough to comprehend it, really,” she added.
School Reaction and Support
In response to this grievous event, Horry County Schools has announced the provision of counselling services to help students cope. The school district released an official statement on Wednesday, recognizing the tragedy and expressing their desire to respect the privacy of the Smalls family during this challenging period.
Community Ravaged By Gun Violence
With a rising alarm at the increasing incidents of gun violence, Pearl Martin expressed her deep concern for the younger generations. “What scares me is that these are kids. Here it is, another one is gone, another child. And it’s like, I don’t understand it,” she stated, her voice strained with worry and frustration.
Despite the additional security measures she had implemented in her household and her careful monitoring of her grandchildren’s activities, the harsh reality of gun violence has inched closer to home, amplifying her anxieties.
High Alert and Ongoing Investigation
The Horry County police department, in a statement released on Tuesday, classified the tragic event as an ‘isolated incident involving juvenile residents in the same household.’ They assured residents that there was no ongoing risk to the local community and that all parties involved were accounted for.
However, the local community remains on high alert, with neighbors expressing worry about their safety. HERE News network will continue to provide updates on this tragic situation and the ongoing police investigation.
Author: HERE News
Source: HERE News Network
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
