News Summary

The town of Conway, South Carolina, is heartbroken as they mourn the loss of 18-year-old Ja’Niya Richburg, a talented basketball player from Loris High School who was killed in a violent act. Richburg was known for her impressive achievements on the court and her caring nature off it. The community is coming together to support each other in their grief and seek justice for her untimely death.

Community in Conway Grieves the Loss of Ja’Niya Richburg

The town of Conway, South Carolina, is enveloped in heartbreak as it mourns the tragic loss of an exceptional young athlete, Ja’Niya Richburg. At just 18 years old, this standout basketball player from Loris High School was taken from us far too soon by a senseless act of violence.

A Life Cut Short

Ja’Niya was shot on the evening of April 29 while she was safely inside her family home on Horry Street. The call to the police came just before 11 p.m., and despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries a few hours later, passing away shortly after midnight. The news has left many in the community grappling with the shock and sadness of such a devastating event.

A Bright Star on and off the Court

Richburg was not only a gifted athlete but an incredibly well-rounded individual known for her vibrant personality and strong work ethic. She had just completed her shift at Spring Oaks Nursing Home earlier that day, where she was dedicated to helping others, another testament to her caring nature.

While attending Loris High School, Ja’Niya achieved remarkable feats on the basketball court, becoming the first female player in the school’s history to reach over 1,000 career points and 1,000 rebounds. Her hard work did not go unnoticed—she was honored as the Region Player of the Year three times during her high school career and even participated in the prestigious North-South All-Star Classic this year, showcasing the top basketball talent in the state.

Plans for the Future

As graduation approached, Ja’Niya had big dreams for the future. She was excited to be attending the University of South Carolina in the fall, where she planned to study pre-med, aiming to become an ultrasound technician. Her mother, Bessie Jenkins, shared that her daughter’s aspirations focused on finishing school and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

A Community in Mourning

The loss of Ja’Niya has deeply affected the entire Loris High School community. School officials expressed their profound sadness and highlighted the impact this tragic incident has had on everyone. To support both students and staff during this difficult time, counseling services are being provided.

Teachers and coaches have remembered Ja’Niya not just for her agile skills on the basketball court but also for her leadership and inspiration. Her coach described her as “another coach on the floor,” as she often guided her teammates with determination and grace. Just days before her passing, she hugged her teachers and spoke excitedly about her upcoming graduation.

Seeking Justice

As the community reels from this loss, police have charged Derrick Que’Shawn Ashley with murder in connection to Ja’Niya’s death. The Horry County Coroner’s Office is continuing its investigation, and many locals are passionately seeking justice for this “ray of sunshine” who excelled in everything she pursued.

Remembering Ja’Niya

A funeral service will be held for Ja’Niya Richburg at 3 p.m. on May 11 at Loris High School, where friends, family, and community members can gather to pay their respects to a life that brought so much light to the world.

In this time of sorrow, the community stands united, remembering Ja’Niya not just for her incredible athleticism, but for the profound impact she made on everyone she met. The legacy she leaves behind will continue to inspire and uplift, reminding us all of the beauty that youth and determination can bring to our lives.

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