Lexington County, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Lexington County faced a tragic day on Friday with two separate fatal car crashes. The first involved 23-year-old Kaleb Isaiah Parrish, who died after veering off Chapin Road. The second incident claimed the life of 59-year-old Tonya Mayers Bowers, a pedestrian struck by a Kia SUV. These incidents raise significant concerns about road safety in South Carolina, with a rising number of fatalities reported this year compared to the previous one.
Lexington County experienced a tragic day on Friday, with two separate fatal car crashes resulting in the deaths of two residents. The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) reported that the first crash took place in the afternoon, claiming the life of 23-year-old Kaleb Isaiah Parrish from Chapin.
The incident involving a 2020 GMC pickup truck occurred around 2:45 p.m. when Parrish, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, veered off Chapin Road and crashed into a tree. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Parrish was not wearing a seat belt at the time. He was pronounced dead at the scene from his injuries. The investigation into this crash is ongoing, with both the coroner’s office and the SCHP actively involved.
Later that evening, at around 9:35 p.m., another fatal incident occurred in Lexington County. A pedestrian, identified as Tonya Mayers Bowers, a 59-year-old from Chapin, was struck and killed by a 2023 Kia SUV. The accident took place on Mountain Drive near Chapin Road while Bowers was in the roadway. She was also pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the SUV was reported to be uninjured. Like the previous incident, the SCHP is conducting an investigation into this crash as well.
These incidents contribute to a growing concern regarding road safety in South Carolina, where at least 689 fatalities have occurred on roads statewide in 2024, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. In comparison, the previous year saw 1,030 traffic-related deaths. The rising number of fatalities highlights a need for increased awareness around safe driving practices.
The SCHP and the coroner’s office are continuing their investigations into both fatal crashes, with updates likely to follow as more details become available.
Key Statistics
- Fatalities in South Carolina roads for 2024: 689
- Traffic-related deaths in South Carolina for 2023: 1,030
Background Context
Road safety has been a significant concern in South Carolina for many years. As traffic volumes increase, the risk of accidents often escalates. Seat belt usage, speed, and pedestrian awareness are critical components in reducing fatalities on roadways.
FAQ Section
What caused the crash involving Kaleb Parrish?
The crash occurred when his 2020 GMC pickup truck veered off Chapin Road and crashed into a tree.
Was Kaleb Isaiah Parrish wearing a seat belt?
No, the coroner’s office stated that Parrish was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
What happened in the second incident later that night?
A pedestrian, identified as Tonya Mayers Bowers, was struck and killed by a 2023 Kia SUV while she was in the roadway.
How many fatalities have occurred on South Carolina roads in 2024?
As of now, at least 689 fatalities have been reported on South Carolina roads in 2024.
Chart: Road Safety Statistics in South Carolina
| Year | Traffic-Related Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,030 |
| 2024 | 689 (Year to Date) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chapin Residents Demand Urgent Repairs for Dreher Island Road
Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of Chapin Teenager
Tragic Fatal Accidents Rock South Carolina
Tragedy Strikes in Lexington: A Life Cut Short on Nazareth Road
Tragic Accident on Sunset Boulevard Halts Traffic in Lexington, SC
Tragic Motorcycle Incident Rocks Lexington County
Shocking Arrests in Lexington County: Two Men Charged with Child Exploitation
Irmo Residents Discuss Highways 6 and 60 Improvements
Motorcycle Driver Killed in Reckless Crash in Lexington County
Tragic Accident in Lexington County Claims Life of Local Man
Additional Resources
- WIS News: Pedestrian Killed in Lexington County
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- The State: Fatal Car Crash in Lexington County
- Google Search: Fatal Traffic Accidents in South Carolina
- WLTX: Chapin Pedestrian Fatal Crash
- Google Scholar: Road Safety South Carolina
- AOL: Truck Drives Off and Kills One
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- WBTV: State Trooper Airlifted After Crash
- Google News: Car Crashes South Carolina
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.
