Parents of deceased Clemson fraternity student speak out on incident
The parents of Tucker Hipps, the Clemson University student who died Sept. 22 after falling from a bridge, spoke out for the first time Wednesday, WIS-TV reported.
Cindy and Gary Hipps said they lost years of making memories with their only son, and they also believe there are aspects of what happened that are still unknown.
“There is more to the story then what has been told," Gary Hipps said. "We do believe there are things that need to be fixed that are broken with fraternity pledging processes. No parent should send their child off to college and have to fear for their life."
Tucker Hipps was reported missing by a fraternity brother when he did not come to breakfast after a run. His body was found in Lake Hartwell later that day.
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the incident, but investigators have said that they don’t believe hazing played a factor in his death.
The Hipps are asking anyone with information about that day to call Crime Stoppers at 888-Crime-SC.
Same-sex couple receives first marriage license in South Carolina
Charleston County councilwoman Colleen Condon and her fiance, Nichols Bleckley, were the first same-sex couple to receive their marriage license in the state of South Carolina on Wednesday, WIS reported.
The Charleston County judge issued the license to the couple, who were the first to have their marriage license accepted in the county last month.
“We knew this was never about just the two of us,” Condon said. “We wanted it for us, but we knew that we were a part of hundreds, thousands in South Carolina who were ready to get married right away.”
The state’s first officially recognized same-sex marriage also took place in Charleston County between Kayla Bennett and Kristin Anderson, right outside the Charleston Country Probate Court.
“I’m thrilled. I’m thrilled for everyone,” Bleckley said. “Most importantly, I’m thrilled for our state. I do think it’s a huge step for our state.”
Greenville woman sells tickets, never gives them to buyers
Melissa McAffe Grey, 51, of Greenville allegedly sold tickets and parking passes for Clemson and University of South Carolina games but never actually delievered the tickets and passes, The State reported.
Grey has been charged with second-degree computer crime. She has since been released on bond.
Five people have reported purchasing tickets from Grey. They all contacted authorities after trying to get the tickets or the money back. Grey returned the money after she was contacted by law enforcement.