Two teenagers from Sumter, South Carolina, died after a firearm was mishandled at a local motel. Sixteen-year-old NyHeem Dashaun Burgess died on August 28, 2024, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, five days after being critically injured on August 23, 2024. His 18-year-old half-sister, Khanesia Sincere Commander, also died from injuries sustained in the same incident and was treated at Prisma Health Tuomey.

The Sumter County Coroner’s Office and the Sumter Police Department described the event at the Sumter Palmetto Inn on North Washington Street as an accidental shooting resulting from mishandling of a firearm. Forensic evidence reportedly supported that conclusion, and no arrests or suspects have been reported. The family held fundraisers to cover funeral costs; a joint viewing took place at Whites Mortuary, followed by a celebration of life at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church and interment at Bradford Cemetery.

If anyone has information about what happened at the motel on August 23, please share what you know.