Fripp Island Community Unites in Prayer After Tragic Deer Incident
Fripp Island, a picturesque community nestled 20 miles east of Beaufort, has found itself in the spotlight following a serious accident that left a woman injured by a large buck deer. It happened last Friday, just a day after Thanksgiving, on the main road, Tarpon Boulevard. The 3,000-acre island, home to around 1,500 residents, is known for its stunning wildlife, but this incident has left the community shaken.
A Day That Took an Unexpected Turn
The events unfolded around 5:30 p.m. as the woman was casually walking along Tarpon Boulevard, not far from the beloved Beach Club. Witnesses reported that the deer, apparently spooked, was running down the road when it collided with her. This unfortunate incident caused a bit of a stir, delaying the holiday parade by about 30 minutes while emergency responders hurried to give medical assistance.
Cary Kelley, the general manager of the Fripp Island Property Owners Association, remarked, “This was a tragic accident that occurred last week. The Fripp Island Community and staff are praying for a full recovery for the injured female.”
A Community’s Heartfelt Response
Family members of the injured woman have come forward to share their gratitude for the support they’ve received, especially on social media. Marcia Gaul, the woman’s mother-in-law, shared on Facebook that the deer seemed to panic as it approached a crowd, resulting in a collision that led to her daughter-in-law sustaining serious injuries.
“He apparently didn’t know how to avoid people, so he struck her, we think possibly trying to jump over her,” Gaul described, painting a vivid picture of the chaos that ensued. The aftermath was indeed horrific, but the family remains strong, leaning heavily on their faith for support as they navigate this challenging time.
A Call for Prayers and Positivity
“Please continue to pray for her recovery,” Gaul urged. “We have seen God answer prayers already. We know where our help comes from.” The woman was taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital for treatment and then transferred to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for surgery.
Another eyewitness, Sara Beresford, expressed how scary the situation was, recalling that she and her family were nearby in a golf cart when it happened. “It was a freak accident,” she said, emphasizing how the deer likely felt trapped and panicked, leading to the tragic encounter. “Just a crazy thing. I hope she recovers well.”
Understanding the Wildlife of Fripp Island
Fripp Island is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including a notable population of deer that ranges conservatively from 600 to 800. Charles Ruth, coordinator of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resource’s Big Game Program, mentioned that deer tend to have a natural flight response when startled. “You hate to hear of these situations — and we do hear it from time to time,” he said.
Interestingly, Ruth highlighted that the presence of deer on Fripp Island is quite high compared to other areas, a situation not managed by sharp shooters like in many gated communities. “Fripp has demonstrated to me an extraordinarily high tolerance for deer,” he noted.
The Community Rallies Together
This incident has led to a greater awareness of wildlife behavior, and the family is grateful for the outpouring of support from their neighbors and friends. Every prayer is hope, and the community is coming together as they collectively wish for a speedy recovery for the injured woman.
As Fripp Island residents hold on to hope, it’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of safety as we embrace the beauty of our surroundings.
