Lexington County, South Carolina, September 29, 2025
News Summary
A tragic vehicle accident in Lexington County, South Carolina has claimed the life of a 33-year-old man. The victim, Melvin Z. Etsell, was driving a Ford sedan when he veered off the road and struck a ditch, resulting in his death. The local highway patrol is investigating the crash, which adds to a concerning rise in road fatalities in the region this year, highlighting ongoing safety issues on South Carolina roads.
Lexington County Crash Claims Life of 33-Year-Old Man
A tragic crash in Lexington County, South Carolina, on Saturday night has resulted in the death of a 33-year-old man. The incident occurred around 11:33 p.m. on Old Orangeburg Road near Chestnut Street and is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP).
The victim, identified as Melvin Z. Etsell of Lexington, was driving a 2001 Ford sedan westbound on Old Orangeburg Road when the vehicle veered off the right side of the road. After going off the road, the sedan struck a ditch. It was confirmed by the coroner that Etsell was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the vehicle veering off the road, as there is currently no information available regarding the cause of the crash. Remarkably, no other injuries were reported from the incident.
This tragic event contributes to the growing number of fatalities on South Carolina roads. As of September 21, 2025, there have been at least 637 fatalities on the roads statewide this year. In comparison, 948 fatalities were recorded across the state in 2024. Specifically, Lexington County has recorded at least 27 deaths in crashes in 2025, compared to 50 deaths in 2024.
The ongoing investigation aims to provide further clarity on the factors contributing to this unfortunate accident, but for now, the community mourns the loss of a life taken too soon.
Background Information
In recent years, road safety has become a pressing issue in South Carolina, with the rising number of fatalities drawing attention from law enforcement and safety advocates alike. The SCHP actively works to mitigate these incidents by conducting thorough investigations and ensuring public awareness regarding the importance of seatbelt use and safe driving practices.
Safety Statistics and Trends
With the staggering number of traffic fatalities in mind, authorities emphasize the necessity of following traffic laws and personal safety measures. The comparison of fatalities over the past two years illustrates a concerning trend that highlights the critical need for community awareness around road safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Lexington County crash?
The crash occurred on Old Orangeburg Road near Chestnut Street, resulting in the death of 33-year-old Melvin Z. Etsell, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.
When did the crash happen?
The incident took place on Saturday night around 11:33 p.m.
Who was involved in the crash?
The driver involved was Melvin Z. Etsell, a 33-year-old man from Lexington.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash, with no other injuries reported.
How many fatalities have occurred on South Carolina roads in 2025?
As of September 21, 2025, there have been at least 637 fatalities on South Carolina roads this year.
How does this year’s fatality count compare to last year?
In 2024, there were 948 fatalities across the state.
How many fatal crashes have occurred in Lexington County this year?
Lexington County recorded at least 27 deaths in crashes in 2025.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Old Orangeburg Road near Chestnut Street, Lexington County, SC |
| Time | 11:33 p.m. on Saturday night |
| Victim | Melvin Z. Etsell, 33 years old |
| Vehicle | 2001 Ford sedan |
| Seatbelt Use | Not wearing seatbelt |
| Fatalities in SC (2025) | At least 637 |
| Lexington County Fatalities (2025) | At least 27 |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Highway Patrol Investigates Fatal Crash in Lexington County
- WLTX: Lexington County Fatal Crash Victim Identified
- The State: Fatal Crash in Lexington County
- WACH: SCHP Investigates Fatal Collision in Lexington County
- Lexington Chronicle: Deadly Crash in Lexington County
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Google Search: South Carolina traffic fatalities 2025
- Google Scholar: Traffic accident statistics South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Google News: Lexington County Crash
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.
