David Newell and Rachael Thomas

From Danielle Metta on Facebook:

Words can’t describe how heavy my heart is. My best friend who is like a sister of mine lost her love to a Drinking and Driving accident. PLEASE, be smart and safe before you get behind the wheel because no one should ever endure this kind of pain and loss. I️ Love you, Rachael Thomas. Praying and thinking of you and David and all friends and family

Charles Davenport faces charges of felony DUI for killing David Newell; gets pass from Judge Diedra Hightower to get out of jail for Thanksgiving while Newell’s family will be mourning 

From The State

11/21/2017  — The mother of a University of South Carolina student struck and killed by a truck is upset that the man accused of hitting her son while driving drunk will be out of jail for Thanksgiving, while her family will have a much more solemn holiday.

“He was supposed to be coming home tomorrow,” Annette Newell said at a bond court in Columbia on Tuesday. “And instead of embracing him, at noon, we’ll be burying my baby.”

Annette Newell’s son, 22-year-old David Newell, was killed while riding a moped on Rosewood Drive Nov. 15. Charles Davenport, 24, a fellow USC student, has been charged with felony DUI involving death.

Charles-Davenport DUI Killer charged with felony DUI Richland County Jail SC (2)

On Tuesday, Judge Diedra Hightower set a bond of $75,000 for Davenport at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. Davenport was “grossly intoxicated” and driving twice the speed limit when he hit Newell’s moped from behind with a pickup truck, Assistant Solicitor Josh Golson told the court.   MORE

From GoFundMe

David Newell sadly passed away on his way home after a drunk driver hit him on his moped. Unfortunately, we lost a very good friend to many and brother to Chi Psi. David was a leader in our community, a friend to all, and an incredibly genuine person. David was a senior at the University of South Carolina with his whole life ahead of him. Sadly his life was cut short, but not before touching many of our lives. He was passionate about educating and helping the youth and motivating others to do things they never thought they were capable of. His family and friends, especially David himself, always looked out for everyone else, he was there for all of us whenever we needed him. Now it’s our turn to be there for his family in honor of David. Today we are raising money to help his family pay for David’s service and funeral. We’d appreciate any kind of donation, large or small, to allow his family to be able to mourn without having to worry about money. Please keep the Newell’s in your thoughts and prayers. They deserve all the support in the world.

My name is Harrison Chewning, I was a friend and fraternity brother with David at the University of South Carolina. The funds will be used to help the Newells pay for expenses such as plane tickets to take David back home, medical expenses from his stay in the hospital, and any funeral expenses. The remaining money will be used to create a scholarship at the University of South Carolina for students who embody the person and student David was. The funds will be sent via check, one made out to the Newell family and the other to the school.  MORE

UPDATE

With the unbelievable feedback this gofundme has received, we’ve raised more than enough money to support the Newell’s. The additional money raised from here on will now go towards a scholarship at the University of South Carolina towards a deserving student who embodies the type of student and person David was. Thank you to all that have donated and shared, it means the world to us.

DAVID NEWELL Of Derwood, Maryland, died Thursday, November 16, 2017, in Columbia, South Carolina.

David James Newell killed in Columbia SC by DUI driver Charles Davenport

David was a senior at the University of South Carolina studying at the Darla Moore School of Business and a member of the Alpha Beta chapter of Chi Psi Fraternity.

Born September 21, 1995, he was the son of Annette Lynn Sherman Newell and Richard A. Newell, III.

David was a 2014 graduate of Magruder High School in Rockville, MD where he was on the swim, dive, and lacrosse teams. He spent his childhood summers as a member of the Mill Creek Towne Swim Association Marlins.

David was known for his infectious smile, big heart, and wily sense of humor. Always willing to help those around him and welcome new friendships, David touched the hearts of all who knew him.

David is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Ronald Sherman. He is survived by his parents; sisters Tyler Rose Newell and Brady Christine Newell; maternal grandmother Evelyn Sherman; paternal grandmother Roberta Newell; grandparents Richard A. Newell, Jr. and Susan Hauser; the love of his life Rachael Thomas; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A service will be held 12 Noon, Wednesday, November 22, 2017, in the chapel of Judean Memorial Gardens, Olney, Maryland, with burial to follow. The family will receive visitors immediately thereafter at 3100 N. Leisure World Blvd. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family in Columbia, and Barber Funeral Home is assisting the family in Olney.