In the small, close-knit community of Blair, South Carolina, Andrew Marquise Trapp, a 34-year-old man, was known for his generous spirit and his love for family and friends. His life, however, was tragically cut short on August 2, 2020, in a senseless act of violence that left the community in shock and mourning. Remembered as a 'big teddy bear' with a heart of gold, Andrew was a devoted father to three children.
He was a graduate of Newberry High School, where he played football and baseball, and was employed at Samsung in Newberry at the time of his death.
On that fateful summer night, Andrew was at a large gathering of about 200 people on Cole Trestle Road when gunfire suddenly erupted into the crowd. He was struck and, despite being rushed to the hospital, succumbed to his injuries. Two other individuals were also injured in the shooting. His family described him as a man without enemies, making his death all the more incomprehensible to those who knew and loved him. The incident left a profound void in the lives of his family, who remembered his passion for fishing, baseball, and spending time with loved ones.
The investigation into Andrew Trapp's death led to the arrests of three individuals, including a young cousin and two friends, who were subsequently charged with murder. One of the suspects was identified as Cortez Javar Whitener, who was 20 years old at the time of his arrest in November 2020. In addition to murder, Whitener faced charges of attempted murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and possession of a weapon in a violent crime. The arrests brought a somber sense of justice to a grieving family and community, underscoring the devastating consequences of the night's events.
In the face of their profound loss, Andrew's family chose to honor his memory by creating something positive. They established the Andrew Trapp Outreach, a charitable organization aimed at giving back to the community that had offered them so much support. Through holiday giveaways and other charitable efforts, they have sought to perpetuate the giving nature that so defined Andrew's life. This initiative stands as a testament to a man whose life was taken too soon, but whose legacy of kindness continues to touch the lives of others.
