News Summary
A devastating car crash on Sunday night in Lexington County has resulted in the deaths of two young women. The suspected drunk driving incident involved a Jeep and a Chevrolet Malibu, leading to calls for stricter impaired driving penalties. Families and advocacy groups highlight the need for safer driving habits to prevent such tragedies.
Lexington County – A tragic car crash on Sunday night has resulted in the deaths of two young women in Lexington County. The accident, which involved a suspected drunk driver, occurred around 9 p.m. at the intersection of Ben Franklin Road and Neely Wingard Road.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the collision involved a 2019 Jeep Laredo and a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The Jeep, driven by 37-year-old Able Ramirez-Ortega, was traveling east on Ben Franklin Road when it struck the Malibu, which was heading south. Claire Ann Pierce, 22, a resident of Lexington, died instantly at the scene, while her friend, Eliza Jane Udy, 21, of Leesville, was transported to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.
In the Chevrolet Malibu, there were three occupants, including the driver, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital. The driver of the Jeep, Ramirez-Ortega, was also injured in the accident. He is currently being held at the Lexington County Detention Center and faces two felony DUI charges.
The details surrounding the crash are still under investigation by both the Highway Patrol and the coroner’s office. As of now, information regarding whether seat belts were worn by the individuals involved has not been disclosed. The Lexington County crash adds to the already concerning statistics regarding road safety in South Carolina, where there have been 291 fatalities thus far in 2025. In 2024, the state experienced a troubling total of 948 vehicle accident fatalities.
This incident in Lexington County marks the 15th death from vehicle crashes in the area for 2025, compared to 50 fatalities in all of 2024. The ongoing issue of impaired driving has made road safety a pointed topic for local communities and organizations alike.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, the families of the deceased women are calling for enhanced measures to promote safer driving habits and stricter penalties for impaired driving offenders. Advocacy groups, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), have highlighted that many crashes resulting in death or injury are preventable. They are urging individuals to take responsibility for their transportation choices, particularly when consuming alcohol.
The crash serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the catastrophic consequences that can arise from driving under the influence. Community action and awareness are vital in preventing similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the significance of planning ahead for safe transportation options.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are expected to gather more information and data surrounding the crash, which could lead to further legal actions and a renewed focus on road safety initiatives within the community.
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Additional Resources
- The State: Fatal Car Crash in Lexington County
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- WLTX: DUI Crash in Lexington
- Google Search: Drunk Driving Statistics in South Carolina
- Lexington County Sheriff: Man Charged with Driving Crime
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drunk Driving
- WACH: Fatal Collision Investigation
- Google News: Road Safety Initiatives
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.
