Chapin, August 28, 2025
News Summary
An early morning car accident in Chapin has left USC assistant football coach Travian Robertson hospitalized with serious lower leg injuries, while a 35-year-old man, Kelly M. Johnson, tragically lost his life. The incident involved a head-on collision between Robertson’s Chevrolet Tahoe and Johnson’s Nissan Pathfinder, which reportedly crossed into oncoming traffic. As the investigation unfolds, the university community remains hopeful for Robertson’s recovery ahead of the upcoming football season, where the Gamecocks are slated to start against Virginia Tech.
Chapin, South Carolina – USC Assistant Football Coach Hospitalized After Fatal Car Crash
A car accident early on Friday, August 22, has left USC assistant football coach Travian Robertson hospitalized with serious injuries and claimed the life of a 35-year-old man.
The incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on U.S. 76 in Richland County, close to Chapin. A 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, driven by Kelly M. Johnson of Columbia, crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with Robertson’s vehicle, a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Johnson died at the scene, as confirmed by the Richland County Coroner’s Office on Monday. Meanwhile, Robertson, aged 36, suffered significant injuries to his lower leg and was transported to Prisma Health Richland Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition and recovering in the trauma ICU.
In response to the incident, the head coach of the USC Gamecocks, Shane Beamer, issued a statement acknowledging Robertson’s hospitalization and expressing optimism for his recovery. The team is set to begin the 2025 football season against Virginia Tech on August 31.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, particularly concerning the cause of the Pathfinder’s veering into oncoming traffic. Details regarding whether either driver was wearing seat belts at the time of the accident have not yet been disclosed.
Travian Robertson previously played as a defensive lineman for the USC Gamecocks from 2007 to 2011 and went on to be a seventh-round draft pick for the Atlanta Falcons in 2012. His experience in both playing and coaching has contributed significantly to the Gamecocks’ defensive strategy.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the accident, no further details have been released regarding the crash or the events leading up to it.
Background on Travian Robertson
Robertson’s coaching career began after his time in the NFL, leading him back to the program where he made a name for himself as a player. Over the years, he has earned respect within the coaching community and from his players, contributing to the university’s football program.
The university community remains hopeful for Robertson’s swift recovery as they prepare for the upcoming college football season. Further updates on his condition and recovery are expected to follow as the investigation into the incident continues.
FAQs
What happened during the car accident?
A head-on collision occurred between a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder and a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, leading to one fatality and serious injuries to the USC football coach.
Who is Kelly M. Johnson?
Kelly M. Johnson was a 35-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina, who was driving the Nissan Pathfinder involved in the crash. He died at the scene.
What is the condition of Travian Robertson?
Travian Robertson has sustained significant lower leg injuries and is reported to be in stable condition in the trauma ICU at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.
What is currently known about the investigation?
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the Nissan veering into oncoming traffic. No information has been released regarding seat belt usage.
What is Travian Robertson’s background?
Robertson is a former USC player who transitioned into coaching. He played for the Gamecocks from 2007 to 2011 and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2012.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fatal Collision on Dutch Fork Road in Columbia, SC
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
University of South Carolina Coach Injured in Car Accident
USC Defensive Line Coach Hospitalized After Fatal Accident
Tragic Car Crash Injures Gamecocks Coach in Chapin
Columbia and Chapin Host Community Events This Fall
Chapin Stewart Joins University of South Carolina Track & Field Coaching Staff
Megan Assey Appointed Girls Basketball Coach at Cardinal Newman
Additional Resources
- WISTV: Coroner IDs Person Killed in Crash Near Chapin
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- ESPN: South Carolina Football Assistant Robertson Hospitalized
- Google Search: Travian Robertson
- The State: Fatal Car Accident Near Chapin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile
- Saturday Down South: Details on Car Crash Involving USC Assistant
- Google News: Chapin Car Crash
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.
