Somber road sign surrounded by wilted flowers and candles.
Sumter County, South Carolina – A tragic accident occurred early Wednesday morning when a pedestrian was struck and killed by a pickup truck on Black River Road, authorities reported. The victim has been identified as James Rayan Weikel, a 42-year-old resident of Kershaw County.
The collision took place around 12:40 a.m. in an unlit area near the intersection of Black River Road and Rice Drive. According to Master Trooper Gary Miller of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Weikel was walking south on Black River Road while wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident.
Weikel was struck by a 2012 Suzuki pickup truck driving in the same direction. He suffered severe injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Sumter County Coroner’s Office. The coroner, Robbie Baker, labeled the incident as an accident.
The driver of the truck escaped uninjured, and no additional injuries have been reported. There has been no confirmation regarding whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the coroner’s office are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. An autopsy for Weikel is scheduled to be conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston to determine the exact cause of death. Miller noted that no charges would be filed against the driver.
This tragic incident adds to the growing concern over traffic safety in South Carolina. Statistics from the state Department of Public Safety indicate that as of Sunday, 885 people have died on South Carolina roads in 2024. In comparison, the total number of fatalities in the state for the entirety of 2023 reached 1,030.
Focusing specifically on Sumter County, there have been 19 traffic-related deaths reported in 2024 alone, a stark reminder of the dangers that persist on our roads. Last year, the county registered a total of 30 fatalities in traffic accidents.
The community is in mourning following Weikel’s untimely death. As more details emerge regarding the investigation, locals continue to call for greater measures to enhance road safety, especially for pedestrians walking in poorly lit areas.
As this situation continues to develop, authorities are committed to providing timely and accurate updates. This article will be revised as further information becomes available.
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