Columbia, August 28, 2025

News Summary

Recently, South Congaree Police Chief Steve Jonas and South Carolina football coach Travian Robertson were both involved in serious car accidents in Columbia. Chief Jonas was hospitalized following a two-car collision, while Coach Robertson’s accident resulted in the death of another driver. Both incidents have prompted investigations by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and concern within the community about road safety. Chief Jonas has been placed on administrative leave, and Coach Robertson is expected to miss the upcoming football season.

Columbia

In a concerning turn of events, South Congaree Police Chief Steve Jonas was involved in a two-car accident on Wednesday evening in Columbia. Both Chief Jonas and the occupants of the other vehicle were promptly taken to a local hospital for medical evaluations. Currently, no information is available regarding the condition of Chief Jonas or the individuals in the other car. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the accident.

As a result of the incident, Chief Jonas has been placed on administrative leave, with the situation still developing. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

In a separate incident, South Carolina football defensive line coach Travian Robertson is recovering from a serious car accident that occurred on August 22. This unfortunate accident claimed the life of another driver, Kelly M. Johnson, aged 35, of Columbia. Coach Robertson is currently hospitalized and will not be present for the upcoming season opener against Virginia Tech scheduled for August 31. Sources indicate that Coach Shane Beamer expressed relief that Robertson is “very lucky to be alive” and that he is eager to return to coaching once he recovers.

Details about Coach Robertson’s specific injuries are not publicly known, but he is expected to miss significant time. During his absence, Jordan Dove will step in as the main defensive line coach for the team. The crash involving Coach Robertson took place early in the morning on U.S. 76 in Richland County, involving his Chevrolet Tahoe and Johnson’s Nissan Pathfinder. It has been reported that Johnson’s vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with Robertson’s vehicle. As with the earlier incident involving Chief Jonas, the South Carolina Highway Patrol is also investigating the circumstances surrounding this crash.

Robertson, who played for the Gamecocks from 2007 to 2011, joined the coaching staff earlier this year in May 2023. The accidents involving both Chief Jonas and Coach Robertson have raised concerns within their respective communities, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding each incident.

Key Points from the Incidents

• Police Chief Steve Jonas was in a car accident on Wednesday evening; both him and the other car’s occupants are hospitalized.
• South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident; details about injuries remain unknown.
• Jonas has been placed on administrative leave following the incident.
• Coach Travian Robertson was involved in a serious car accident on August 22 that resulted in another driver’s death.
• Robertson is hospitalized, missing the upcoming season opener; Jordan Dove will coach in his place.
• The crash occurred on U.S. 76; Johnson’s vehicle crossed the center line, leading to a head-on collision.

Background Context

Both incidents come at a time when the community is looking for reassurance of safety on the roads. The investigations by the South Carolina Highway Patrol are critical in uncovering the details surrounding both accidents. Community members are concerned for the well-being of their leaders as they navigate the grass-roots impact of these events.

FAQ Section

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Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Lexington County
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Salley Man Dies in Single-Vehicle Crash

Additional Resources

• WLTX News: South Congaree Police Chief on Leave
• Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
• WIS News: Coroner IDs Person Killed in Crash
• Google Search: Columbia Car Accidents
• Greenville Online: Travian Robertson Car Accident
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicle Safety
• NBC News: New York Tour Bus Crash Victims Identified
• Google News: Car Accident News
• The State: Traffic Accident Update
• Google Scholar: Road Safety Statistics

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.