News Summary
A fatal crash in Lexington County claimed the lives of two young women when their Chevrolet Malibu collided with a Jeep Laredo driven by a man charged with felony DUI. The incident occurred at night at an intersection where the Malibu had four occupants. Despite attempts to save them, the passengers succumbed to their injuries, while the drivers sustained minor injuries. The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about impaired driving and urges community awareness regarding road safety.
Lexington County, South Carolina – Two lives were tragically lost Sunday night in a crash that involved two vehicles at an intersection in Lexington County. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 8:58 p.m. at the intersection of Neely Wingard Road and Ben Franklin Road, located approximately eight miles east of Batesburg-Leesville.
A 2019 Jeep Laredo was reportedly traveling east on Ben Franklin Road when it collided with a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, which was heading south on Neely Wingard Road. The Chevrolet Malibu had one driver and three passengers at the time of the incident, while the Jeep Laredo was occupied by one driver.
The victims, identified as Claire Ann Pierce, 22, of Lexington, and Eliza Jane Udy, 21, of Leesville, were passengers in the Malibu. Claire Ann Pierce was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Eliza Jane Udy was transported to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries later. Both drivers involved in the crash sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received medical treatment at a local hospital.
The driver of the Jeep Laredo, Able Ramirez-Ortega, 37, from West Columbia, has been charged with two counts of felony DUI as a result of the collision. Currently, Ramirez-Ortega is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center pending further proceedings in connection with the crash.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is ongoing, being conducted by the Lexington County Coroner’s Office in coordination with the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Authorities have not released further information regarding factors leading to the crash or the full details of the ongoing investigation.
Traffic accidents remain a significant concern in many areas, and this incident underscores the potential dangers on the roads. In South Carolina, incidents of DUI-related crashes have prompted state agencies and local law enforcement to stress the importance of responsible driving with ongoing awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts aimed at reducing impaired driving.
According to recent data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, DUI-related fatalities have fluctuated in recent years, prompting authorities to remain vigilant in their efforts to handle such cases seriously. The ongoing investigation into this particular incident will likely assess a variety of factors including speed, road conditions, and the potential effects of alcohol on the involved party.
This crash represents a profound loss not only for the families of the deceased but also for the community at large, highlighting the grave consequences of impaired driving. As the investigation progresses, it further emphasizes the need for public awareness regarding safe driving practices and the severe implications failure to adhere can have on individuals and families.
Officials urge the public to remain cautious and informed about the laws concerning DUI and the broader impacts of reckless driving, advocating for community safety and prevention measures to avoid future tragedies on the roads.
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Additional Resources
- WISTV
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- SWLEX Ledger
- Google Search: DUI accidents South Carolina
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety South Carolina
- Cola Daily
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
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.
