Crash victims remembered as 'good kids, a great couple'

Two local families are grappling with the loss of a young college couple home from school for the holidays, when they were involved in Wednesday evening's fatal crash.

Alexander "Alex" Bush was 24. His passenger and girlfriend Katie Scott, was 22.

Bush suffered multiple body trauma and was pronounced dead at Aiken Regional Medical Centers shortly after the 6:20 p.m. head-on collision that occurred about a mile east of Aiken Electric Cooperative on S.C. 302.

Scott was airlifted to the Medical College of Georgia where, on Thursday at 12:25 p.m., she was pronounced dead from multiple body trauma.

Both Bush and Scott were wearing seat belts.

Charges may be pending against the other motorist, 38-year-old Stephen Corley of Salley. He was the driver of the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder that struck the 2001 Ford Explorer the couple was in, officials said.

Corley has been hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt.

The Pathfinder was reportedly seen traveling at speeds in excess of 80 mph moments before the crash, said Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.

"Mr. Corley attempted to pass another vehicle going westbound when he struck the vehicle driven by Mr. Bush," Carlton explained.

Officials observed that there were no skid marks left in the two-lane roadway. Neither vehicle had an opportunity to slow down before the head-on crash.

The collision occurred as the couple was returning to Scott's residence in Couchton after having a meal in Aiken. Her parents were a few vehicles behind the Explorer and were present when the Pathfinder struck the couple head-on.

Scott's younger sister was planning to ride home with the couple but decided instead to let them ride alone.

The family had recently learned that Bush was planning to propose to the College of Charleston junior.

"He already had the ring," said Holly Scott, Katie's sister.

They were always together, family members commented.

"They were good kids," said Alex's uncle, Gary Ross.

Bush was a Charleston School of Law student and had been a standout athlete at South Aiken High School before he graduated in 2004, said South Aiken Cross Country Coach Russ Busbee.

"He was given the Thoroughbred award by the team, which is given to the person for leadership and dedication but most importantly for the willingness to sacrifice for the team," Busbee said. "He would give up his own performance for the team."

Holly said that Alex was selfless with everyone, especially Katie.

"They were together for six years," Holly said. "She had the best boyfriend in the world."

The Scott family didn't just lose a sister, but a brother, she added.

"They were a great couple," she said. "You can't have one without the other."

Those close to Alex said he was a family man with a bright future.

He had a year and a half left of law school and had just earned an internship. He was planning to return to Charleston soon.

"He had a great Christmas here," Ross said. "He spent it with his mother and father and got to see his sister, too. He was a special kid."

Both Katie and Alex were described as smart goal-oriented kids.

Those close to the couple said they were headed for success together.

Kristi Yaughn, Katie's cousin, said the 22-year-old had received all As last semester.

Both families said they are trying to pull together for one another.

The Scott family is awaiting the arrival of the eldest of their five children, Brandon. A U.S. Army solider, he has been serving in Iraq.

"He should be in Atlanta tomorrow," Holly added.

Although still struggling with the loss, she said she knew her sister fought as hard as she could to survive.

" ... But she left because they needed to be together," she said.