College of Charleston Freshman Dies

Jacob Oaks, a freshman righthander at the College of Charleston, died early Monday morning in a car accident.

The Spartanburg (S.C.) Herald-Journal reported Oaks, 19, stopped on Interstate 385 to help the driver of a disabled vehicle. He had just pulled off to the shoulder when his car was hit by a passing vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:08 a.m. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the wreck.

CofC coach Matt Heath released a statement about Oaks.

“Jacob was a good kid,” Heath said. “He was very quiet and reserved, but he worked hard and did anything he was asked to do. He comes from a great family that’s very close. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Oaks starred on the diamond last spring for Southside Christian School in Simpsonville, S.C. He threw his fastball in the mid to upper 80s and mixed in a slider.

Saddened to announce that 2016 @SabreBaseball alum Jacob Oaks has passed while helping a disabled vehicle. Prayers for the Oaks family. pic.twitter.com/EuUBu1ga4O

— SCS Baseball (@SabreBaseball) December 12, 2016