Carli’s Legacy

08/19/2024

While the wheels of justice don't always turn quickly, they do indeed turn. Today marks the start of the sentencing hearing for the man who struck Carli.

Though nothing can bring her back to us, justice can prevent another such loss in the future. Please keep this in your thoughts and prayers as we seek it this week.

07/28/2023

We are proud to have played our part in this improvement to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Big thanks to UGATA for coordinating the effort--Carli would be proud!

Ride safely out there, folks.

12/01/2022

More help spreading the word on the collaborative effort to make improvements to our traffic laws by the Greenville Journal!

Observing the seeming epidemic of motorists running red lights, a number of concerned citizens are beginning a grassroots effort to reverse South Carolina’s ban on using traffic cameras to enforce red light violations.

11/14/2022

It's hard for all of us to make sense of Carli's loss. In the aftermath of this loss, I have found something similarly senseless: a statewide ban of traffic and red light cameras in South Carolina.

Though most of us across the state are probably accustomed to waiting a few extra seconds after the light turns green to let the inevitable violators through the intersection, it's not always innocent. Carli's death is an obvious example.

Laws are generally in place for a reason--typically to protect citizens. It surprises me that the existing ban is in place, and we would love to do something to change that.

We encourage those of you who live in SC and feel similarly to reach out to your legislator and ask for reversal of this ban. It could keep folks from feeling how we do about the loss of our Carli.

Ryan Soukop lost his wife Carli Brewer Soukop on June 6, 2021 when a motorist ran a red light on Sulphur Springs Road at the intersection of the Swamp Rabbit...

07/16/2022

A big "thank you" to those from Seacoast Church Greenville that came and got their hands dirty in honor of Carli, beautifying her memorial garden at Mitchell Road Elementary! The results are amazing and the kids will surely enjoy the space during the upcoming school year.

06/02/2022

Yesterday was a great day--both for Carli's spirit and a special student who exhibits a similar one.

We have had the honor of recognizing the first annual recipient of the "Soukup Spirit Award" at Mitchell Road Elementary School. The award is granted to a rising 5th grader who exhibits exemplary compassion, consideration, and respect for fellow students and faculty alike.

Congrats to Maggie! We can't wait to see that jersey hanging in her classroom next year.

A new award at an elementary school honors the legacy of a 5th-grade teacher who passed nearly one year ago.

04/25/2022

This past Saturday, we saw progress on Carli's memorial garden at Mitchell Road Elementary school thanks to the helping hands of the Scouts and volunteers from MRE! Carli's love for this school and a beautiful space outdoors surely means she would have been as anxious to see its growth as we are.

We can't wait for this space to be put to more use by students and faculty alike. Bring on the bloom!

02/04/2022

Bond denied for the man investigators say hit and killed a Greenville County teacher in June 2021 as she crossed a road on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

12/16/2021

Gifting was Carli's love language. Rarely did a loved one's birthday or the Holidays pass by without a thoughtful item being offered up with a smile and a handwritten note. Even in receiving gifts, she made sure to have the last word, never failing to send a "thank you" card detailing just how important it was to her.

She is surely looking down proudly at the show of holiday spirit that several members of this community have exhibited. When informed of a local family facing their first Holidays after suffering the loss of a family member, they demonstrated their gift giving love just like Carli always did.

Enjoy the gifts, kids. There are at least 2 people smiling down on you today.

A special thanks to everyone who contributed to brighten these tough days for this family!

12/01/2021

The Holiday Spirit never eluded Carli. She was always one to break out the Christmas decorations before the fridge was cleared of Thanksgiving leftovers. Her cheer throughout this season would have been obvious even if she didn't exclaim "I like Christmas" multiple times each season.

Picking out and decorating a tree was always a cherished tradition for Carli. Although there will be no tree this year in her household, her Christmas spirit will live on in her final resting place.

I invite anyone compelled to join me in adding their own piece[s] of Carli to her ghost bike. Feel free to hang ornaments, decorations, etc. to commemorate both her gracious life and this holiday season.

For those local, her bike is located at the intersection of the Swamp Rabbit Trail and Sulphur Springs Rd. (near Pinsley Circle). For those afar, feel free to message Ryan Soukup to arrange having them shipped.

Happy Holidays!