DUI suspect charged with killing 4 in New Year’s Eve crash: ‘Could have been avoided’

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) – A man who was previously convicted for a DUI caused a crash on New Year’s Eve that killed four people in South Carolina, according to officials.

According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, a 911 call came in at 9:22 p.m. on Tuesday for a two-vehicle crash.

Troopers said all four victims who died were riding in an SUV and backing out of a private driveway when they were struck by a BMW sedan.

Troopers said the driver of the BMW, 31-year-old Nicholas Meeks, was driving under the influence.

Two of the victims were identified on Wednesday morning as 29-year-old Audrey Marie Ross of South Carolina and 30-year-old Amanda Lynn Leroux of North Carolina.

The other two victims’ names will be released when confirmation has been made.

Meeks was arrested and charged with four counts of felony DUI resulting in death and driving under suspension. He is currently being held in the Greenville County Detention Center without bond.

A judge confirmed that was convicted of DUI in March 2024.

A victims’ advocate for Highway Patrol spoke at Meeks’ bond hearing, asking for bond to be denied.

“This is a very unfortunate incident, and it could have been avoided had the defendant chose not to disregard the law by drinking and driving and driving at an accelerated speed,” she said.

A friend of the mother of Audrey Ross also spoke at the hearing, addressing the suspect.

“She lost her only child and her best friend,” she said. “Audrey was bright and comionate. You made a decision yesterday that affected many lives. You got into a car after drinking.”

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