News Summary
On Christmas Eve in Lexington County, a fatal collision occurred, resulting in the death of 73-year-old William Frederick Orris. The crash involved his Nissan SUV and a Kia SUV driven by Joaqin Baltzar Hernandez, who is now facing felony DUI charges. This tragic incident has devastated the local community, emphasizing the importance of road safety during holiday celebrations.
Tragic Christmas Eve Collision Claims Life of 73-Year-Old in Lexington County
LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC – In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded on Christmas Eve, a local man lost his life in a collision that has left the community in shock. The accident occurred at around 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in the 3400 block of Fish Hatchery Road, right in the Gaston area.
A Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy
William Frederick Orris, a 73-year-old resident of Gaston, was driving his 2014 Nissan SUV southbound when tragedy struck. His vehicle was suddenly struck by a northbound 2014 Kia SUV. The intersection, located at Fish Hatchery Road and Sand Mountain Road, is situated just south of South Congaree and Pine Ridge. It was a night that many were preparing to celebrate, but for Orris and his family, festive plans turned into a nightmare.
A Life Cut Short
Upon the impact of the collision, it was reported that Orris sustained fatal injuries. Despite being buckled up, a precaution that undoubtedly provided some level of safety, he was pronounced dead at the scene. This is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and how fragile our existence can be.
Investigation Underway
The driver of the Kia SUV, identified as 37-year-old Joaqin Baltzar Hernandez of Lexington, was taken to an area hospital with injuries that thankfully were described as non-life-threatening. However, the situation did not end there; Hernandez now faces serious legal consequences. He has been charged with felony DUI involving death, adding another layer of sorrow to this tragic event.
Community in Mourning
This tragic accident has sent ripples through the local community, leaving friends and family of Orris in deep mourning. A cherished member of their lives is now gone, reminding everyone of the potential dangers lurking on the roads, particularly during festive seasons when many may not be in the right state of mind.
Safety Reminders
The South Carolina Highway Patrol, along with the MAIT (Multi-Agency Accident Investigation Team), is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash to understand all circumstances and hopefully prevent such incidents in the future. As details continue to emerge, this incident underscores the importance of road safety for both drivers and pedestrians alike.
Please Drive Responsibly
As we approach the New Year, let us remember to drive responsibly and look out for one another. This season should be one of joy and celebration, not sorrow. The roads can be dangerous, and a moment’s distraction or poor decision can result in life-altering consequences.
A Call to Action
The loss of William Frederick Orris reminds us all of the fragility of life. It’s crucial to keep safety at the forefront of our minds when getting behind the wheel. Wear your seatbelt, stay attentive, and never drive under the influence. It’s a simple message that can save lives and protect families from grief.
As the city of Lexington County processes this tragic news, let us all extend our thoughts and prayers to the families affected by this accident. The memories of those we’ve lost will always remain in our hearts, reminding us to cherish every moment with our loved ones.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- The State
- Google Search: Gaston County accidents
- WSOC TV
- Google Scholar: road safety Gaston County
- KPTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Accident
- WBTV
- Google News: Gaston County traffic news
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
