Leesville, South Carolina, October 21, 2025
News Summary
A fatal car accident occurred on Interstate 20 Westbound near mile marker 42, resulting in the death of George Woodrow Stoudemire III. Driving a 2024 Ford Maverick, Stoudemire struck a deer, leading to his vehicle crashing into a tree. The 55-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident as traffic fatalities rise in South Carolina, raising concerns about road safety and wildlife-related accidents.
Leesville, South Carolina – George Woodrow Stoudemire III, a 55-year-old man, was tragically killed in a car accident early Monday morning. The incident took place on Interstate 20 Westbound near mile marker 42.
The crash occurred approximately around 6:15 AM in the Leesville area of Lexington County. Stoudemire was driving a 2024 Ford Maverick truck when he struck a deer while traveling west. The impact caused his vehicle to veer off the left side of the road and collide with a tree.
Stoudemire was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. At the time of the crash, he was the only occupant in the vehicle and was wearing a seatbelt. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported in this incident.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Coroner Margaret Fisher confirmed that the incident is classified as an accident.
As of early March 2025, South Carolina has reported at least 717 traffic-related fatalities this year alone. This statistic shows a concerning trend, as the state recorded at least 948 such deaths in the entire year of 2024. Specifically, in Lexington County, there have been 30 documented fatalities from traffic accidents in 2025.
The story is still developing, and updates may be released as more information becomes available regarding the accident and its implications.
Background on Traffic Safety in South Carolina
The rise in traffic-related deaths is a pressing concern for state officials and safety advocates. Each year, increasing numbers of fatalities raise questions about road safety measures, driver behavior, and wildlife-related accidents. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, especially in areas known for deer crossings, to potentially save lives and reduce collisions.
Trend in Road Safety
Data from previous years indicate that traffic accidents are a significant concern in South Carolina, and the authorities are continually seeking strategies to enhance road safety and prevent future tragedies.
Summary of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | George Woodrow Stoudemire III |
| Age | 55 |
| Type of Vehicle | 2024 Ford Maverick truck |
| Date of Accident | Early Morning, Monday |
| Location | Interstate 20 Westbound, near mile marker 42 |
| Cause | Collision with deer, followed by hitting a tree |
| Fatalities | 1 (Stoudemire, the only occupant) |
| Wearing Seatbelt | Yes |
| Current Investigators | South Carolina Highway Patrol, Lexington County Coroner’s Office |
| Total Traffic Fatalities in SC (2025 so far) | 717 |
| Total Traffic Fatalities in SC (2024) | 948 |
| Traffic Fatalities in Lexington County (2025) | 30 |
FAQ
Who was the victim in the I-20 crash?
George Woodrow Stoudemire III, 55, has been identified as the victim of a fatal crash.
When and where did the crash occur?
The incident occurred early Monday morning on Interstate 20 Westbound near mile marker 42 in the Leesville area of Lexington County, South Carolina.
What was the cause of the accident?
Stoudemire was driving a 2024 Ford Maverick truck when he struck a deer, causing the vehicle to run off the left side of the road and collide with a tree.
What were the circumstances at the time of the crash?
Stoudemire was the only occupant in the vehicle and was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
What is the status of the investigation?
The incident is under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office.
How many traffic fatalities have occurred in South Carolina in 2025?
As of early March 2025, there have been at least 717 fatalities on South Carolina roads.
What is the traffic fatality count for Lexington County?
In Lexington County, there have been 30 reported fatalities from traffic accidents in 2025.
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Two Dead in Lexington County Car Crashes
Additional Resources
- WIS News: Man Killed Following Early Morning Crash in Lexington County
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- WLTX: Batesburg-Leesville Deer Crash Fatal
- Google Search: Traffic Safety South Carolina
- The State: Traffic Incident Reporting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- WACH: Driver Dies After Hitting Deer
- Google News: Traffic Deaths South Carolina
- WLTX: Fatal Crash in Lexington County Identified
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.
