MAULDIN, S.C. — The Greenville County community is mourning the tragic loss of 9-year-old Za’mier Messiah-Marshawn Neal, who died after being struck by a vehicle on Wednesday evening in a residential neighborhood in Mauldin.

According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on June 3, 2026, along Wild Dogwood Way. Emergency responders were dispatched after reports that a child had been hit by a vehicle.

When first responders arrived, they found Za’mier suffering from severe injuries. Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment at the scene before transporting him to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, Za’mier was pronounced dead at 7:18 p.m.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy on June 4, determining that Za’mier died from multiple blunt-force injuries consistent with a pedestrian-vehicle collision. His death was officially ruled accidental.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and Greenville County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are reviewing evidence from the scene and seeking witness statements to determine exactly how the incident occurred.

The tragedy has deeply affected residents of the Wild Dogwood Way neighborhood, where neighbors have created a memorial featuring flowers, balloons, candles, stuffed animals, and handwritten messages in honor of the young victim.

Family members described Za’mier as a joyful, energetic child whose bright smile and loving personality touched everyone around him. In a statement released through a family spokesperson, relatives said they were devastated by the loss and asked the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.

School counselors have reportedly been made available to classmates and staff members as the community copes with the sudden loss. Local residents have also begun discussing potential traffic-safety improvements, including additional signage, speed-control measures, and enhanced lighting in residential areas.

A candlelight vigil is being planned to honor Za’mier’s memory and provide support for grieving family members, friends, and neighbors. Community members have also organized fundraising efforts to assist the family with funeral expenses and memorial initiatives.

Authorities encourage anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have relevant information to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Za’mier Messiah-Marshawn Neal is remembered by family, friends, classmates, and community members as a beloved child whose life, though tragically brief, left a lasting impact on those who knew him.