Elizabeth Gorshack, courtesy of Gorshack's twitter page.
WPDE NewsChannel 15 has tracked down details regarding the hit and run death of Coastal Carolina University freshman, Elizabeth Gorshack, 18.
On September 7, around 12:18 a.m. Gorshack was walking across SC Highway 544 between Elvington Road and Cox Ferry Road.
Julian Delvasto, 19, was traveling west on Highway 544 and hit Gorshack with the front right part of his vehicle, according to a South Carolina Highway Patrol Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) report.
Gorshack died at the scene. Her cause of death was massive head trauma as a result of being hit, according to Horry County Deputy Coroner Darris Fowler.
Highway Patrol says Delvasto left the scene. He is charged with Reckless Homicide and Hit and Run, Duties of Driver Involved in Accident with Death.
A toxicology test done on Gorshack and obtained by NewsChannel 15 shows that Gorshack's Blood Alcohol Concentration was .153 at the time of her death. Someone over the age of 21 with a BAC of .08 or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
Gorshack was crossing the highway towards the bar, Might As Well, according to CCU spokeswoman, Martha Hunn.
The university sought help from the Solicitor's Office in September to take a nuisance action against the bar.
Might As Well closed voluntarily in November after discussions between CCU and the 15th Circuit Solicitor's Office, according to a press release by CCU.
NewsChannel 15 obtained the following statement from CCU Public Safety Police Chief David Roper about the closing of Might As Well.
"The death of CCU Student Elizabeth Gorshack was a large piece of the puzzle in a case we were already working in asking the Solicitor's Office to file a nuisance action against Might As Well. It was not the sole purpose, but it was an important piece that built the case."
The South Carolina Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team Report for this incident was also obtained by NewsChannel 15.
The MAIT report says that Delvasto was driving recklessly and fled the scene after hitting Gorshack. Delvasto was located a short time later.
The report was completed on September 27. It revealed that Delvasto was traveling somewhere between 31 mph to 38 mph. The speed limit on Highway 544 where the wreck took place is 40 mph.
According to the MAIT report, there was a passenger in the backseat of Delvasto's car.
Attorney David Axelrod is defending Julian Delvasto and told NewsChannel 15 that he asked for the charges to be dropped.
There is no date set for the next time Delvasto is in court.
