News Summary
On April 30, Lexington County, S.C. witnessed two tragic incidents resulting in fatalities. A single-vehicle crash claimed the life of a 46-year-old passenger, while a pedestrian was struck and killed on U.S. 1/Augusta Road. The community faces ongoing concerns about road safety, particularly for pedestrians. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities aiming to improve safety measures in response to these incidents.
Lexington County, S.C. – Two Fatal Incidents on April 30
Two separate fatal incidents occurred in Lexington County, South Carolina, on Wednesday, April 30. The first incident involved a single-vehicle crash resulting in the death of a passenger, while the second incident involved a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle.
Single-Vehicle Crash Details
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating a single-vehicle accident that took place approximately six miles north of Pelion around 6:50 p.m. Specifically, the accident occurred near the intersection of Founders Road and Founders Boulevard. A 2009 pickup truck was heading east on Founders Road when it veered off the right side of the road. The vehicle then collided with several trees before overturning and catching fire.
The driver of the pickup truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Prisma Health Richland Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, James Michael Carter, a 46-year-old passenger from Lexington, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lexington County Coroner, Margaret Fisher, confirmed the identity of the deceased. The investigation into the crash involves both the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office.
Pedestrian Accident Details
In a separate incident on the same day, a pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle on U.S. 1/Augusta Road in West Columbia. The victim, identified as Zackary Ryan Rose, 30, also from Lexington County, died at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. The driver who hit Rose was reported to be uninjured. This incident occurred in the 2800 block of Augusta Road, an area noted for having very few pedestrian crosswalks. According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the road is heavily trafficked, with an average of 35,100 vehicles daily in 2024.
In response to pedestrian safety concerns, the area is undergoing construction aimed at improving safety measures. These enhancements include the addition of new medians, crosswalks, and traffic lights to help prevent future incidents. It is significant to note that South Carolina ranked second in the nation for pedestrian deaths in 2020, as reported by the Department of Transportation, highlighting an ongoing concern for pedestrian safety in the state.
Additional Incident: Fraud Arrest
In an unrelated matter, a former administrative employee of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department has been arrested. Shekinah Shyann Sade Brown, a 24-year-old, turned herself in at the Sheriff’s Department headquarters after being accused of obtaining goods under false pretenses related to fraudulent time sheets. Brown had been hired in March 2023 and resigned from her position in October 2024.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon has referred the case to the State Law Enforcement Division for a comprehensive investigation. Brown was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center and has been released on a personal recognizance bond.
Both incidents underscore ongoing regional concerns about road safety, vehicle accidents, and pedestrian safety. Authorities are continuing their investigations and working towards improved safety measures in the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community in Chester County Unites After School Bus Tragedy
Tragedy Strikes in Lexington: A Life Cut Short on Nazareth Road
Tragic Accident in Lexington Claims Life of Local Man
Lexington County Tragedy: A Heartbreaking Week for Local Residents
Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of Chapin Man
Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life in Lexington County
Tragic Traffic Accident Claims Life of 70-Year-Old Woman in Lexington
Tragedy Strikes Downtown Columbia: Motorcyclist Loses Life in Hit-and-Run
Newberry County Experiences Shocking Incidents
Tragic Motorcycle Incident Rocks Lexington County
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Fatal Truck Crash in Lexington County
- The State: Local News Article
- Kentucky.com: Sports News
- Lexington County Sheriff’s Department: Employee Charged
- WISTV: School Bus Involved in Crash
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Google Search: Lexington County traffic incidents
- Google Scholar: Road safety South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google News: Lexington County accidents
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
