Charleston Families Demand Justice After Hit-and-Run Tragedy

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News Summary

In Charleston, families of Lizzy Zito and Arianna Gamber seek justice following a tragic hit-and-run that claimed the lives of their daughters. They are urging the community for information on the incident and advocating for road safety improvements to prevent future tragedies. Legal proceedings against the alleged drivers are underway, with the families pursuing a civil lawsuit as they cope with their immense loss and push for accountability.

Charleston Families Seek Justice and Safety After Hit-and-Run Tragedy

In the heart of Charleston, a community is grappling with grief and loss following a harrowing hit-and-run crash that took the lives of two promising young women, Lizzy Zito and Arianna Gamber. The tragedy occurred on April 28, leaving behind shattered families and a desire for justice and safety.

Families Stand United for Answers

The families of Lizzy and Arianna are fervently seeking help from the public as they try to piece together what happened on that fateful night. They are eager to gather any available information, including videos and photos, that could shed light on the incident. This collective call for assistance comes as they mourn their loved ones and advocate for accountability.

Since the tragic events, the families have made several trips to Charleston, where they’ve created a roadside memorial for Lizzy and Arianna. They’ve returned to honor significant milestones, including the pair’s 21st birthdays and Lizzy’s upcoming graduation from the College of Charleston with a degree in psychology, which was set to be in May 2024.

Legal Proceedings Unfold

In July, the families attended a preliminary hearing for the suspected drivers, Max Gentilin and Seth Carlson, who are alleged to have caused the fatal crash. Gentilin faces serious charges, including two counts of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, while Carlson faces a more extensive list of four charges that includes reckless homicide. Fortunately, motions to dismiss or alter these charges were denied, providing a glimmer of hope for the families who yearn for justice.

The time since the crash has been fraught with emotional turmoil for both families as they grapple with their losses. Nicole Gamber, Arianna’s mother, has voiced the intense trauma they’ve experienced, stressing the importance of public aid in their quest for justice.

Community Safety Improvements on the Horizon

In light of this tragedy, both families are endorsing much-needed safety enhancements along Morrison Drive, where the accident occurred. The improvements, which include the addition of a pedestrian crossing and raised median, come as bittersweet news. The families hope that these measures will prevent future tragedies from striking others.

Moreover, they regret that such changes are only being implemented after the devastating loss of their daughters. To honor Lizzy and Arianna further, the families plan to integrate a barcode at the roadside memorial, allowing visitors to learn more about the victims’ stories.

Advocating for Road Safety

The families are not stopping at memorials or court appearances. They are partnering with advocacy groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving to push for better road safety measures. A booth will be set up at a community event on November 16, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.

Additionally, a memorial concert is being planned for April 2025 to celebrate the lives of Lizzy and Arianna, with proceeds dedicated to promoting safe driving practices through Mothers Against Drunk Driving. These events seek to transform their pain into purpose, ensuring that their daughters’ legacies inspire positive change.

The Fight for Justice and Accountability

The families have also pursued a civil lawsuit in Charleston County Circuit Court, seeking damages against Carlson and Gentilin for their alleged reckless behavior leading to the tragic deaths. The lawsuit claims Carlson was heavily intoxicated and deliberately struck both women while driving on Morrison Drive. Following the incident, both suspects fled the scene, only to evade arrest for days, further aggravating the already fraught emotions of the victims’ families.

The loss of Lizzy Zito and Arianna Gamber serves as a painful reminder of the tragic consequences of reckless driving and the urgent need for improved road safety measures. As the families continue to advocate for justice, they emphasize the vital importance of public assistance in preventing such horrific events from happening again.