High school student found dead in the road after hit-and-run, troopers say

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) – Authorities in South Carolina are searching for a suspect after a high school student was found dead following a hit-and-run.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol said troopers responded to the intersection of Howard Street and Simuel Road in Spartanburg County just before 8:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Troopers said they had received a report of a “man down” in that area. When they arrived, they said they found a person dead in the roadway.

After investigating, the troopers learned a pedestrian was walking along Howard Street when an unknown vehicle hit him. The vehicle left the scene.

The pedestrian was identified as 19-year-old Jose Morales-Diaz, a student at Dorman High School.

Spartanburg School District Six released a statement addressing Morales-Diaz’s death.

“Our District Six family is heartbroken over the loss of Dorman High School student, Jose Julian Morales-Diaz,” the statement reads. “Jose’s kindness and compassion were reflected in the meaningful connections he built with his classmates and teachers. He was a young man, full of potential and promise, whose life was tragically cut short. We extend our deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to his family and everyone who was blessed to know and love him.”

“As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time for our Cavaliers,” it continues. “Grief counselors are on-site to support our students and staff, as we begin the healing process together as a school community. Jose will be deeply missed, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever.”