South Carolina Native Observed the September 11 Attacks from Earth's Orbit
Frank Culbertson Jr. holds a unique place in American history. As a South Carolina native and a commander of the International Space Station, he was the only American not on Earth when the attacks of September 11, 2001, occurred. Culbertson, a former Navy fighter pilot, looked down from his station hundreds of miles above the planet to witness smoke billowing from the site of the Twin Towers in Manhattan. He also observed the damage at the Pentagon.
Born in Charleston and a graduate of Holly Hill High School, Culbertson later described the profound sense of isolation he felt while orbiting the globe during the crisis. He believed the incident proved that international cooperation remains a necessity for human survival. The space station functioned as a joint venture between Russian and American entities, which Culbertson often cited as a model for how nations might navigate future conflicts peacefully. His account remains one of the most stark perspectives from that day.
Tragic Death of Charleston County Deputy Follows Narcotics Investigation
Law enforcement in South Carolina mourns the loss of Deputy Michael Hendricks. He died on September 9 following a vehicle collision on Ladson Road, near the intersection with Highway 78. Hendricks was operating an unmarked pickup truck after completing a narcotics investigation when he struck a tractor-trailer owned by Gordon Food Service. The impact caused his vehicle to catch fire, and responders confirmed he died at the scene.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office notes that Hendricks had served with the department since 2023. His death represents the first fatality of an on-duty deputy for the agency in more than six years. Colleagues describe him as a person with a larger-than-life presence who maintained a high level of dedication to his work. The investigation into the mechanics of the collision remains active.
Goose Creek Parents Charged After Fentanyl Overdose Claims Teenager
Legal authorities in Berkeley County have filed serious charges against two parents following the death of their 13-year-old daughter. Derrell Dominquez Joshua and Tracy Lyn Castillo were taken into custody on August 28. Police arrived at their Goose Creek residence on August 27 to find the girl unresponsive.
Preliminary toxicology reports revealed the presence of fentanyl and THC in the girl’s system. During the subsequent investigation, officers found fentanyl-laced pills and drug paraphernalia in the parents' bedroom. Both adults face charges related to the possession of fentanyl and neglect by a legal custodian. Public records indicate that Castillo had previously faced child neglect allegations, and Joshua had been subject to an investigation regarding animal fighting.
Structural Security Restored at Charleston’s Dockside Building
Law enforcement has finalized a sweep of the Dockside high-rise in Charleston to remove unauthorized occupants. The building faced an evacuation order in February 2025 due to concerns over structural integrity and potential collapse. Despite the vacancy, authorities found individuals living in a second-floor unit during July, noting that the unit still retained active electrical power.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and the Charleston Police Department executed a thorough search on September 3. Officials confirmed no individuals remain inside the structure. To prevent further entries, crews have boarded up all ground-level windows and doors. The property is now under the watch of armed guards, and local police remain on call to respond to any further attempts at trespassing.