LORIS, SC (WMBF) – The Loris High School marching band honored a student lost in an alleged drunk driving accident all season. Loris band day on Saturday was no exception.

It is the familiar sound of a marching band that many know.

But for many, it’s different now because of a tragic loss.

“He was always full of joy and he was like one of the nicest people ever,” Beyonce Dominguez recalls.

“He was very dedicated. Very loyal to the band and his friends,” band director Stephen Whisnant said.

“He was probably the most dedicated person in our band. I mean, non-stop training,” said Timothy Hemingway.

Sean Herd was killed when an alleged drunk driver hit him this summer on his way home from band camp.

He and band director Stephen Whisnant had a special relationship and a special nickname to go with it.

Whisnant called him “cap flop”, because of his hair.

His friends were shocked by his passing.

With band season approaching, they knew they wanted to do something.

“We want to dedicate this whole year to it, so that’s what it’s all about,” Hemingway explained.

For many, the first few weeks of the season without Sean were not easy.

“It was hard for a lot of us, and I mean, we just had to keep our strength and trust in the Lord and keep going,” Hemingway said.

Loris High School honored him all season, but other schools also showed their support.

“All the bands in Horry County did something to remember him this year as well,” Whisnant said.

As the bands gathered for the 35th Loris Band Day on Saturday, he was honored again.

With a trophy, by the band and with a sincere tribute.

With 15 schools bringing their best, Carolina Forest won this year’s competition.

While the trophy is nice and the day was fun, it marks the end of a season about so much more.

“We’re not just here to bring us all together, but it’s also for Sean,” Dominguez said.

The family also started a scholarship as a way to honor Sean’s legacy.

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