BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—A Lowcountry family is heartbroken all over again after they say a thief had the audacity to steal a small stone left by their son’s gravesite.
“It broke my heart. I can’t believe someone could be so cruel,” stated Donna Neary, the mother of Michael “Carey” Record. “You have not just taken a piece of stone. You have taken a piece of our Carey.”
According to the family, sometime between July 21st and July 24th, someone took a small Gamecock stone from Carey’s gravesite at Plantation Memorial Gardens off of North Highway 17A heading towards the town of Moncks Corner.
“He was a huge Gamecock fan. I am a Clemson fan and one of our special bonds was watching the Clemson-Carolina game every year,” stated Neary who calls Goose Creek home. “It [the stone] has some special messages and sentiments that cannot be replaced.”
The special stone was placed there just days after Carey’s sudden and unexpected death on April 22nd, 2015. Despite wearing a helmet and protective gear, he lost his life in a motorcycle accident on Rivers Avenue. He was just 21-years-old.
“Someone was not paying attention and pulled out in front of him,” explained Carey’s mom. “He was thrown from his motorcycle and died 7 hours later at MUSC.”
More than a year after his death, the recent theft has re-opened old wounds. Carey’s mother, who is still grieving the loss of her son, says she can’t fathom how someone can be so cold-hearted. However, it’s the good memories spent with her son that gets her through each passing day.
“He was an amazing father, fiancé, son, and friend,” stated Neary. “When he wasn’t working to provide for his family, he was spending time with family and friends. I am such a proud momma. He was truly an amazing young man.”
Neary says a report has been filed with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. If you have any information on the case, contact Crimestoppers at (843) 554-1111. You can remain anonymous.
