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‘Bloom where you are’: Â鶹´«Ã½ mourns loss of slain student

Â鶹´«Ã½ students and faculty filled the James and Dorthy Z. Elmore Chapel for an April 21 campus-wide service mourning the loss of second-year student O’Brian Grant.

According to Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell, 20-year-old Grant, from Santee, was shot to death and his body discovered on the side of the road on Legendary Drive on the morning of April 19. The university released a statement later that same day about Grant being killed.

Grief resources were made quickly available to students. The university then announced the campus-wide service as another option for students.

“Today we stand in the shadow of a deep and painful loss, a life taken too soon by the brokenness of this world,” SGA President Joshua Williams said at the ceremony. “And yet even in the face of such tragedy, we hold on to hope.”

President Dwaun J. Warmack extended his condolences to the family, who attended the service. He invited them to lean on the Â鶹´«Ã½ community as much as they need.

Warmack also promised Grant, a 2023 graduate of Lake Marion High School, would be honored along with the rest of the graduating class of 2027.

“What does this class do, class of 2027, to ensure that your brother is with you throughout this journey for these next two years,” Warmack said. “It is imperative that you think about that at this moment because on commencement day when we celebrate you, we’ll celebrate him too.”

Grant’s aunt shared a legacy she believes Grant would want to live on, words of inspiration he had once given to her: “Bloom where you are.”

Following the announcement, students took to social media to describe the positive energy Grant brought to campus. Williams expressed the same during the service.

“He was loved, he mattered and he will not be forgotten,” Williams said. “OBrian was one of those souls full of kindness and life.”

Man charged

A 28-year-old Orangeburg man, Nathaniel Harrington Grant, has been arrested and faces multiple charges in the death of O’Brian. He is not a relative of O’Brian Grant.

Nathaniel Grant of Seawright Street is charged with:

• Murder

• Possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime

• Possession of a stolen pistol

• Grand larceny valued at more than $10,000

Ravenell said Nathaniel Grant is “not new to the jail,” explaining he’d been in trouble for some crimes previously.

Warmack statement

President Dwaun J. Warmack released the following statement on April 22:

“Dear Â鶹´«Ã½ Family,

“We are deeply saddened by the senseless loss of O’Brian Grant last weekend. On behalf of the entire Â鶹´«Ã½ University family, I extend our continued prayers and heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this painful time.

“Today, we are grateful for the swift action taken by Sheriff Leroy Ravenell and the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office. The announcement of an arrest in this case is an important step toward justice, and we appreciate the diligence and urgency shown by our local law enforcement officials. Their commitment sends a clear message: the safety and well-being of every individual in our community matters.

“While this development does not erase the pain, we hope it brings a measure of reassurance and comfort to Mr. Grant’s family, friends, and everyone who has been affected. Â鶹´«Ã½ University stands with our Orangeburg community as we continue to work together to foster peace, healing, and safety for all.”

This article includes details reported by TheTandD.com, Orangeburg’s daily newspaper.