Friends Mourn Fort Mill Teen Who Died After Bike, SUV Crash

Nation Ford High School opened just three months ago, but now the Fort Mill students are remembering the life of a classmate, 15-year-old Parrish Beach who died Sunday.

"Since he loved to go fishing, we put a fishing pole up (at the school)," said Logan Bailey, one of the teen’s best friends.

Beach was on his way to go fishing when he was hit by a sport utility vehicle a week and a half ago. Police said he was riding his bike when he turned into the path of the driver on Springfield Parkway.

Eyewitness News was there Wednesday as Beach's five pallbearers visited his memorial on school grounds.

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Ben Flannigan said he feels the same way as his somber classmates do about the loss.

“It's just tremendously hard on me. I don't know what to do really," he said.

Nor does childhood friend Brian Mullis. He was supposed to go fishing with Beach when plans changed.

Now reality is setting in for the teens, who know burying their friend on Thursday will be one of the toughest duties of their young lives.

“Parrish didn't deserve that. I mean, you wouldn't expect him to get hit by a car," said Steven Simpson.

"It seems to me like everybody is in shock; it shouldn't have happened," said Robert Munday.

Ben Flannigan added, "He was just one of the loyalist friends I've ever had. I'm going to miss him a lot."

A candlelight vigil is planned for next Wednesday. Also, the school will plant a tree and put up a plaque. The ceremony is open to the public.

Visitation for Beach is set for Wednesday night at First Baptist Church in Fort Mill from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall. His funeral is Thursday at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary.