COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority in Columbia (The COMET) announced Monday morning that Interim CEO and Executive Director Derrick Huggins passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning.
Huggins, a long-time member of The COMET board, had served as board chair until being named to his current position in November 2021. He had previously served as a transportation executive with the University of South Carolina.
“The COMET board of directors extends our condolences and sympathy to the family of Derrick Huggins. We are saddened at this very unexpected loss, as so many of us just had conversations with him in recent days and were making future plans together. Derrick was not only the CEO of the COMET. He had been a Board member and Board Chair, and we all knew him not only professionally but also personally. He will be missed.” said Board Chair, Allison Terracio.
LeRoy DesChamps, Chief Operating Officer will assume oversight of the organization at this time as the Board of Directors makes plans for the future.
Funeral services will take place next Monday, October 17, at Journey United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.