Chapin, SC, August 26, 2025
News Summary
A tragic head-on collision in Chapin has resulted in the death of 35-year-old Kelly M. Johnson. The accident occurred on Dutch Fork Road when Johnson’s Nissan Pathfinder crossed the center line, colliding with a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by USC assistant coach Travian Robertson. While Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, Robertson was injured but is in stable condition. The investigation into the circumstances of the accident is ongoing, and the community is mourning the loss of Johnson.
Chapin, South Carolina – A tragic vehicular collision occurred early on August 22, 2025, claiming the life of 35-year-old Kelly M. Johnson, a Columbia resident. The accident happened at approximately 5:45 a.m. on U.S. 76/Dutch Fork Road, where a head-on collision took place between two vehicles.
Johnson was driving a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, which, according to preliminary reports, crossed the center line, resulting in a direct impact with a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Travian Robertson, an assistant coach for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team. Despite the prompt response from emergency services, Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, as confirmed by Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford. Robertson, on the other hand, sustained injuries and was subsequently admitted to the trauma ICU at Prisma Health Richland hospital. As of the latest updates, he remains in stable condition.
Although additional details regarding the specifics of the accident are still under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the coroner’s office, the focus is currently on determining why Johnson’s vehicle veered into oncoming traffic. Investigators have yet to report whether either driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
Travian Robertson is currently in his third season as the defensive line coach for the Gamecocks. He was also a player for the team from 2007 to 2011 before being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2012. Following the incident, Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer expressed his thoughts and prayers for the families affected and emphasized the need for privacy for the Robertson family during this difficult time.
The University of South Carolina’s football schedule indicates that the team is set to kick off its 2025 season against Virginia Tech in Atlanta, and the coaching staff is expected to take the necessary steps to support Robertson as he recovers from his injuries.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is reflecting on this tragic event, which has elicited sympathy and condolences for those involved. Johnson’s untimely death has left a significant impact on his acquaintances and the local community, illustrating the devastating effect of road accidents.
FAQs
What happened in the accident involving Kelly M. Johnson and Travian Robertson?
On August 22, 2025, a head-on collision occurred between a Nissan Pathfinder driven by Kelly M. Johnson and a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by USC assistant football coach Travian Robertson on Dutch Fork Road. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, while Robertson sustained injuries and is in stable condition.
How old was Kelly M. Johnson?
Kelly M. Johnson was 35 years old at the time of the accident.
What is the current condition of Travian Robertson?
Travian Robertson is in stable condition in trauma ICU at Prisma Health Richland hospital following the accident.
What is being investigated regarding the crash?
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and coroner’s office are investigating the cause of the accident, particularly why Johnson’s vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic. Details regarding seatbelt usage have not been released.
What position does Travian Robertson hold at the University of South Carolina?
Travian Robertson is the defensive line coach for the Gamecocks football team, currently in his third season in this role.
When does the University of South Carolina football season begin?
The 2025 football season for the University of South Carolina is set to begin against Virginia Tech in Atlanta.
Key Features of the Accident Report
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Accident | August 22, 2025 |
| Time of Accident | 5:45 a.m. |
| Location | U.S. 76/Dutch Fork Road, Chapin, SC |
| Name of Victim | Kelly M. Johnson (35 years old) |
| Name of Injured Party | Travian Robertson |
| Vehicle Types Involved | 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe |
| Current Condition of Injured Party | Stable in trauma ICU |
| Cause of Accident | Under Investigation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Coroner IDs person killed in crash near Chapin
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- ABC 17 News: Multi-vehicle crash shuts down part of Providence Road in Columbia
- Google Search: Traffic Safety
- Fox 19 News: 1 dead in Wooster Pike crash
- Google Scholar: Car Accidents
- Greenville Online: South Carolina football Travian Robertson car crash, driver dies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicle Collisions
- ABC Columbia: Gamecock D-line coach Travian Robertson hospitalized after car crash
- Google News: Road Safety
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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.
