The Anderson County community is saying a final goodbye to Spencer James Martin, the 16-year-old Pendleton High School student and football player who lost his life in a single-vehicle crash in the early hours of Memorial Day, May 25, 2026.
Spencer was a passenger in a 2014 BMW traveling west on Five Forks Road when, just before 12:30 a.m., the car ran off the right side of the road, struck a mailbox, went into a ditch, became airborne, and hit a tree.
Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore confirmed Spencer, who was seated in the front passenger seat, died from multiple traumatic injuries.
The driver and a second passenger were transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Shore noted all three boys were wearing seatbelts and that there were no signs of alcohol or drugs. Wet roads and excessive speed were identified as contributing factors.
Spencer was just 16 years old, born March 26, 2010, in Anderson, South Carolina. He had just finished his sophomore year at Pendleton High School and was heading into what his family and coaches described as a promising junior year.
Football was at the center of Spencer’s life. He was set to wear number 2 this coming season as a varsity wide receiver for the Pendleton Bulldogs.
His family shared that he had been chosen to serve as a Battalion Leader during summer football sessions, an honor that reflected the kind of young man he was becoming.
Pendleton High School Athletic Director Grayson Howell remembered Spencer as someone the entire school community was proud of, saying he had shown tremendous growth both on and off the field in the two years they knew him.
Away from football, Spencer loved weightlifting, golf, basketball, and fishing. He was a devoted Clemson Tigers fan and cherished time on the lake or at the ocean with family and friends.
He had big plans for the future, often talking about a career in construction, coaching, or sports broadcasting. Those who knew him said nothing felt out of reach for him.
Spencer was the beloved son of Brian and Allison Martin. He shared a close bond with his older sister, Julea Cole, and adored his younger brother, Benjamin.
He is also survived by his paternal grandfather, Larry Martin, his maternal grandparents Tom and Ginny Boltin, uncles Rion Boltin and Philip Martin, and a large circle of cousins and close friends.
Friends, classmates, and teachers gathered at Pendleton High School on the afternoon of the crash for a memorial service. A public prayer gathering was also held at Veterans Park in Pendleton.
School district superintendent M. Dee Christopher announced counselors would be made available to students and staff to help the community process the loss.
Visitation for Spencer will be held this Friday, May 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at The McDougald Funeral Home, located at 2211 N. Main Street in Anderson.
The funeral service will take place Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at the same location, with Pastor Nathan Fox officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens in Clemson.
Spencer Martin was, by every account, a young man full of light, kindness, and potential. He will be deeply missed.
