Horry County High Schooler to Donate Organs After Fatal Crash

Atlantic Collegiate Academy community mourns loss of 15-year-old volleyball player Ava Holland.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Ava Holland, a 15-year-old sophomore at Atlantic Collegiate Academy in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was fatally injured in a car crash on February 4th. Though brain-dead, Holland's family has decided to honor her wish to be an organ donor.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of a young life is always deeply felt by a community, but Holland's decision to be an organ donor at just 15 years old has inspired those around her and highlights the importance of organ donation, especially among younger populations.

The details

According to Holland's volleyball coaches and school principal, she was a hard-working, dedicated student-athlete known for her kindness and positivity. The school community is mourning her loss, with students and staff wearing purple ribbons and bracelets to honor her memory. An Honor Walk is planned to celebrate Holland's life and generous decision to donate her organs.

  • On February 4th, Holland was involved in a car crash at the intersection of Highways 22 and 90 while on her way to school.
  • Doctors have determined that Holland is brain-dead, and her family plans to honor her wish to be an organ donor.

The players

Ava Holland

A 15-year-old sophomore at Atlantic Collegiate Academy in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and a starter on the varsity volleyball team. Holland was fatally injured in a car crash and has been determined to be brain-dead, but her family plans to honor her wish to be an organ donor.

Larry Church

Holland's head volleyball coach at Atlantic Collegiate Academy, who remembered her as a hard worker, dedicated athlete, and kind young woman.

Dr. Cheryl McKinley

The interim principal of Atlantic Collegiate Academy, who described Holland as a wonderful, upbeat student and scholar.

Justin Stack

The assistant volleyball coach at Atlantic Collegiate Academy, who spoke about the untapped potential and impact Holland had on her teammates.

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What they’re saying

“Ava was a wonderful young lady you never met without a smile.”

— Dr. Cheryl McKinley, Interim Principal, Atlantic Collegiate Academy (wmbfnews.com)

“Sometimes I think about the untapped potential that she had, not just in volleyball, but as a human being. I don't think she realized the impact she made on a lot of her teammates.”

— Justin Stack, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Atlantic Collegiate Academy (wmbfnews.com)

What’s next

An Honor Walk is tentatively scheduled for Friday to celebrate Ava Holland's life and generous decision to donate her organs.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of Ava Holland, a young and promising student-athlete, has deeply impacted her school community. However, her decision to be an organ donor at just 15 years old has inspired those around her and highlights the importance of organ donation, especially among younger populations.