Grand Strand family spreads DUI awareness after son injured in crash

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A Grand Strand family is trying to spread awareness against driving while under the influence after a tragic incident that occurred the night before Thanksgiving.

18-year-old Avery Nieuwendam was driving home after being with friends when a driver who allegedly ran a red light struck Nieuwendam in his vehicle along Highway 707 and McDowell Shortcut.

Nieuwendam’s mother, Danielle, claims the driver was Jonmark Gath, who was allegedly under the influence.

South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed Gath was charged with a felony driving under the influence and remains in custody.

Gath also has a past charge of public disorderly/public intoxication.

Danielle said Avery got seriously injured and went through multiple surgeries. However, she says the aftermath of the incident will be with him for life.

She is now spreading awareness to prevent a tragedy like this from happening to anyone else.

“There are so many ways of transportation nowadays that you don’t need to drink and drive,” Danielle said. “You know it’s not even for yourself but for other people.”

To help with medical expenses and get through the recovery process, a GoFundMe was created to support Avery and the family during this time.

“He will have to deal with these issues for the rest of his life so, as much as we can get him to make him as comfortable as he can be while he’s not working, not going to school, and just for the future just trying to make sure that he has the bright future that he was headed towards before all this happened,” Danielle said.

Corporal David Jones with the SC Highway Patrol said collisions due to DUIs during the holiday are common, but said there is zero tolerance for drinking under the influence, as there are alternative ways to get home if one may be drinking.

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