News Summary
A tragic incident occurred on April 1, 2025, in Lexington, where a collision on Sunset Boulevard resulted in the death of 70-year-old Margie Hayden Cook. The accident involved two vehicles and has raised concerns about road safety in the area. The driver of the other vehicle suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders quickly attended to the scene, leading to temporary traffic disruptions as investigations commenced. This unfortunate event highlights the increasing concern for traffic safety in Lexington County.
Tragic Collision on Sunset Boulevard Claims One Life
Lexington was rocked by a heartbreaking incident on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, when a collision involving two vehicles led to the untimely death of a local resident. The accident occurred around noon in the bustling 5100 block of Sunset Boulevard, right in front of the Lexington Pavilion shopping center.
Details of the Incident
The tragic events unfolded as Margie Hayden Cook, a 70-year-old who called Pelion home, was pulling out of the shopping center parking lot. Unfortunately, her vehicle was struck by a westbound car on Sunset Boulevard. Despite being securely buckled up in her seat belt, Margie sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passing has left friends and family in shock, reminding everyone of the fragility of life on the roads.
The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash suffered non-life-threatening injuries. They were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical care. However, details about the current condition of this driver are still unclear, and it remains unknown if they were wearing a seat belt during the collision.
Response and Investigation
First responders acted quickly, arriving to the incident scene shortly after the collision occurred. In the aftermath, traffic on Sunset Boulevard ground to a halt, with lanes temporarily closed off to facilitate the necessary investigation and clean-up. A detour was put in place, guiding drivers through Corley Mill Road until the situation was under control.
By 1:05 p.m., authorities had reopened all lanes, allowing traffic to return to normal. However, the disturbance was felt by many commuters who rely on this busy route. The Lexington Police Department is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the collision, and additional updates will be shared as they become available.
Traffic Safety in Lexington
This unfortunate event adds to a growing concern over traffic safety in Lexington County, where, according to the state Department of Public Safety, at least 158 lives have been lost on South Carolina roads in 2025 so far. The county has seen at least seven deaths due to crashes this year, a significant spike following the 50 fatalities recorded in 2024. With each road incident, the community is reminded of the importance of driving safely and responsibly.
As we process this shocking news, it’s vital for everyone to stay alert and vigilant while on the road. You never know what might happen in the blink of an eye. Safe driving, wearing seat belts, and being aware of your surroundings can make all the difference in preventing further tragedies.
While the investigation continues, our thoughts are with Margie Hayden Cook’s family during this incredibly difficult time. As more information becomes available, the story will be updated, reflecting the community’s need to stay informed about road safety and traffic incidents in the area.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- WLTX
- The State
- WIS TV
- SW Lexington Ledger
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Lexington South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google News: Lexington Vehicle Collision
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.
