Markie Noel Irvine Shipley and T.C. Irvine Survive Devastating Crash Near Gaffney: ‘Most Terrifying Experience of My Life’
Markie Noel Irvine Shipley and T.C. Irvine Survive Devastating Crash Near Gaffney: ‘Most Terrifying Experience of My Life’ — Early Morning Collision on Highway 11 Leaves Vehicle Mangled, Prompts Swift Emergency Response in Cherokee County
GAFFNEY, SOUTH CAROLINA — In what authorities are calling a “miraculous survival,” local residents Markie Noel Irvine Shipley and T.C. Irvine are recovering from a severe automobile crash that occurred shortly after dawn on Saturday, May 31, near the intersection of Highway 11 and Asbury Road in Cherokee County, just outside of Gaffney.
The wreck, which occurred at approximately 7:00 a.m., involved the couple’s personal vehicle—a midsize SUV—which sustained extensive front-end and driver-side damage after what officials believe was a high-speed collision. The impact was so powerful it pushed the vehicle off the highway and into a roadside embankment, requiring first responders to use specialized equipment to free the occupants.
The Crash and Immediate Response
According to preliminary reports from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol, the vehicle carrying Shipley and Irvine was traveling eastbound along Highway 11 when, for reasons still under investigation, it collided with another vehicle that was attempting to merge or cross traffic from Asbury Road.
Witnesses say they heard the screeching of tires and a deafening metal-on-metal impact before dialing 911. First responders from the Gaffney Fire Department, Cherokee County EMS, and Highway Patrol arrived within minutes. Emergency crews described a chaotic scene with debris scattered across both lanes of traffic and the couple’s SUV partially overturned on a slope beside the highway.
“From what we saw on scene, it’s nothing short of a miracle that anyone walked away alive,” said Battalion Chief Darren Womack of Gaffney Fire Department. “The airbags deployed properly, and it appears both occupants were wearing their seatbelts. That likely saved their lives.”
Injuries and Current Medical Condition
Markie Noel Irvine Shipley, believed to have been in the passenger seat at the time, sustained multiple lacerations, severe bruising, and a minor concussion, but was alert and communicative when medics arrived. She was taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
T.C. Irvine, the driver, suffered a fractured collarbone, whiplash, and several contusions to the upper torso. He, too, was transported to Spartanburg Regional and is currently recovering in stable condition. Both victims were released by Sunday afternoon and are now resting at home, according to a family spokesperson.
First-Hand Account: ‘The Most Terrifying Experience of My Life’
In a public Facebook post shared Sunday evening, Markie Noel Irvine Shipley described the experience as “the most terrifying experience of my life” and expressed gratitude for the emergency crews and hospital staff who aided in their recovery.
“We honestly thought we were going to die,” Shipley wrote. “It all happened so fast. One second we were just driving and talking about our weekend plans, and the next, there was this impact—this sound I’ll never forget—and then nothing but chaos. I remember seeing the dashboard crumple, the windshield shatter, and everything spinning.”
Shipley went on to praise T.C. Irvine for remaining calm immediately after the crash, despite being visibly injured. “He kept saying, ‘We’re okay. We’re going to be okay,’ even though I could tell he was in pain. I don’t know how he managed to stay strong for both of us.”
Investigation and Preliminary Findings
The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the accident. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from a nearby gas station, conducting vehicle inspections, and interviewing eyewitnesses who were traveling behind both vehicles.
As of Sunday, no charges have been filed, and authorities are still determining whether speed, distraction, or road conditions played a role. The area where the crash occurred is known to be notoriously hazardous, particularly in early morning hours when dew and light fog often impair visibility.
“There have been several collisions at this particular intersection in the past year,” noted Sheriff Mitch Littlefield. “We’ve raised concerns with the Department of Transportation about adding better signage or even a traffic light. Hopefully, this incident adds urgency to those requests.”
Community Reaction and Support
News of the crash sent shockwaves through the Gaffney community, where both Shipley and Irvine are well known. The couple has been active in local outreach initiatives, particularly within the Gaffney Community Church and various animal rescue efforts.
A GoFundMe campaign started by a close friend, Heather Malone, has already raised more than $12,000 in under 24 hours to help cover medical expenses and vehicle replacement. “Markie and T.C. have always been there for others,” Malone wrote. “Now it’s time for us to be there for them.”
The couple also received a visit from Mayor Henry J. Wilkins, who released a statement praising their resilience: “Gaffney is a small town with a big heart, and nothing shows that more than when we come together in times of need. We are relieved beyond measure that Markie and T.C. are alive and recovering. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Road Safety in Cherokee County: A Broader Issue
This crash marks the eighth serious traffic incident in Cherokee County since the start of the year and the third involving Highway 11. Local residents and officials alike are calling for immediate improvements in the area’s traffic infrastructure.
“There’s a pattern here that we can’t afford to ignore,” said County Council member Jessica Raines. “Whether it’s better lighting, improved warning signs, or smarter traffic signals, something has to change before more lives are lost or put in danger.”
A petition started Sunday morning titled “Make Highway 11 Safer for Everyone” has already garnered more than 2,300 signatures as of Monday morning. The document will be presented to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and includes proposals for speed enforcement zones, flashing caution lights at intersections, and monthly traffic audits.
Long Road to Recovery
Though both Shipley and Irvine are expected to make a full physical recovery, medical professionals have warned that the emotional and psychological aftermath of the crash may linger.
“Experiencing a traumatic event like this often leads to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially when it involves a sudden threat to life,” said trauma therapist Dr. Carla Jennings, who is not treating the couple but spoke generally about post-accident care. “The key is early intervention and strong social support.”
The couple has reportedly begun counseling and are receiving support from friends, family, and their church community. They’ve also vowed to use their experience to advocate for safer roadways in South Carolina.
“We know we’re lucky to be alive,” said Shipley. “But it shouldn’t take luck. It should take better planning, better roads, and more attention to danger zones. If our story can help prevent this from happening to someone else, then at least something good came from all this pain.”
Final Words: A Message of Thanks
In her post, Shipley concluded with a message of thanks:
“To the firefighters who pulled us out, to the EMTs who never left our side, to the doctors who stitched us up, and to every friend who’s checked in, prayed, or donated—thank you. We’re alive because of you. We’re here because of grace and community. We won’t forget it.”
If you have information about the crash or witnessed the accident, authorities urge you to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol Tip Line at 1-800-768-1503.