Chapin, SC, August 26, 2025
News Summary
A tragic accident on Dutch Fork Road claimed the life of 35-year-old Kelly M. Johnson and left USC football assistant coach Travian Robertson injured. The collision involved a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances leading to the crash, amidst ongoing concerns about road safety in the area.
Columbia, SC – A tragic collision on Dutch Fork Road resulted in a fatality and injuries on Friday morning, August 22. The Richland County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as 35-year-old Kelly M. Johnson, a resident of Columbia, SC.
The accident took place near Chapin and caused the closure of Dutch Fork Road between Wessinger Road and Three Dog Road, leading to significant traffic delays and detours for motorists in the area.
Details reveal that Johnson was operating a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and was traveling west on Dutch Fork Road when the accident occurred. A head-on collision ensued with a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Travian Robertson, an assistant football coach for the University of South Carolina, who was traveling east.
Tragically, Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. Robertson sustained injuries and was transported to the trauma ICU at Prisma Health Richland Hospital. As reported on Monday, Robertson is expected to recover fully from his injuries, according to statements from the coaching staff.
Whether seat belts were in use by either Johnson or Robertson at the time of the collision remains unclear. The exact cause of the Nissan crossing into oncoming traffic is still under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol in concordance with the coroner’s office.
Robertson, a former defensive lineman for the Gamecocks from 2007 to 2011, is entering his third season as the team’s defensive line coach. Following the accident, Coach Shane Beamer extended condolences and requested privacy for the Robertson family while also asking for prayers for both families affected by this tragic incident.
This collision is part of a worrying trend of road incidents in the area. On the same day, an unrelated fatal wrong-way collision occurred on I-20 in Richland County involving a Kia Rio and a Chevrolet Impala. Additionally, a separate crash resulted in the death of a dump truck driver when the vehicle overturned at the intersection of State Route 13 and State Route 96.
Accident Details
- Victim: Kelly M. Johnson, 35, Columbia, SC
- Involved Parties: Travian Robertson, USC football assistant coach
- Vehicles: 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
- Location: Dutch Fork Road, Chapin, SC
- Closure: Dutch Fork Road shut between Wessinger Road and Three Dog Road
- Investigation: Ongoing by South Carolina Highway Patrol
Additional Collision Information
- Date: August 22
- Time: Morning hours
- Other Fatal Incidents: Wrong-way collision on I-20 and dump truck accident in Richland County
Context
This incident highlights the serious nature of road safety and the tragic consequences of vehicle collisions. Authorities continue their efforts to ensure safe driving practices and investigate factors contributing to such accidents.
FAQ
What caused the collision on Dutch Fork Road?
The exact cause of the Nissan veering into oncoming traffic is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
What is the current condition of Travian Robertson?
Travian Robertson was injured in the collision but is expected to make a full recovery.
Were seat belts in use during the accident?
It remains unclear whether seat belts were used by either driver at the time of the collision.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Accident | August 22 |
| Location | Dutch Fork Road, near Chapin, SC |
| Fatality | Kelly M. Johnson, 35 |
| Injured Party | Travian Robertson, USC football assistant coach |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by South Carolina Highway Patrol |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Crash Involving USC Defensive Line Coach
Tragic Collision in Chapin Claims Life of Local Resident
Tragic Collision Claims Life of Woman in Chapin, SC
Tragic Car Crash Injures Gamecocks Coach in Chapin
Head-On Collision Shakes Up Richland County
Additional Resources
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.
