Search Crews Find Missing Pets Following Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on I-85

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina/Gray News) – In a positive update, search crews in South Carolina announced on Friday that they have made progress in locating the pets that went missing after a tragic wrong-way crash on Interstate 85. The crash, which occurred near mile marker 51 at approximately 5:18 a.m. last Sunday, claimed the lives of three individuals.

Details of the Crash

According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, the accident involved a vehicle traveling north in the southbound lane, resulting in a collision with another car and subsequent crashes involving two additional vehicles.

The victims of the crash have been identified as 27-year-old Storm Shepard from Duncan, South Carolina, 45-year-old Sharae Green from Georgia, and 69-year-old Jimmie Wallace from Alabama. Unfortunately, these individuals lost their lives in the tragic event.

While several other victims sustained non-serious injuries and received immediate treatment at the scene, three pets belonging to Sharae Green, including two dogs and a 3-foot-long ball python, were not found when responders arrived. However, it is worth noting that both dogs have been microchipped.

Search Efforts Yield Positive Results

Anakin’s Trails Animal Search, an organization dedicated to locating missing animals, played a crucial role in the search for the missing pets. On Monday afternoon, they successfully located one of the dogs, Asta, near I-85. Subsequently, the python was also found later that same day.

After several days of intensive search efforts, Moon, the second missing dog, was finally apprehended on Friday afternoon by Anakin’s Trails. Although Moon sustained minor injuries and scratches, overall, she is in good health.

Search crews, aided by drone technology, were able to track down Moon’s whereabouts. On Tuesday morning, they located her den and used her brother Asta’s scent to guide her back. However, Moon initially ran away in the opposite direction, proving difficult to capture.

Throughout Wednesday, Moon was spotted multiple times, including a second sighting in a resident’s yard. It is believed that she utilized coyote trails to swiftly navigate the area.

According to the search team, Moon exhibited signs of “Lost Dog Syndrome,” a condition in which dogs may stray away even from their owners and require assistance in deciding whether it is safe to return.

On Thursday morning, X-rays revealed bruising on Asta’s intestines as a result of the accident. However, he has since made a remarkable recovery and is back to his usual self. Asta will remain on bed rest for the next few days to ensure his complete recuperation.

Community Support and Assistance

The search officials expressed their gratitude for the generous donations received from the community. These contributions have enabled them to purchase essential items to ensure Asta’s comfort while his family recovers in the hospital following the tragic crash.

Furthermore, the family will not be burdened with any financial obligations related to the treatment of Asta and Moon, thanks to the support received.