News Summary
A pedestrian, identified as James McCoy, was tragically killed after being struck by a pickup truck on U.S. Highway 15 in Sumter County. The incident occurred near Lakewood Drive, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the area. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, raising community awareness about pedestrian safety following this unfortunate event.
Sumter County – A 45-year-old resident of Clarendon County, James McCoy, was tragically killed on Tuesday, May 13, after being struck by a pickup truck while walking along U.S. Highway 15. The incident took place around 9 p.m. near the intersection with Lakewood Drive.
McCoy was walking southbound on U.S. 15 when a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, also traveling south, hit him. The driver of the Silverado, who was the only person in the vehicle, was unharmed in the collision. Following the accident, McCoy was rushed to Prisma Health Richland hospital in Columbia but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Authorities from the South Carolina Highway Patrol are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, which has been categorized as an accident by Coroner Robbie Baker. In light of the ongoing investigation, an autopsy for McCoy has been scheduled for Monday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Road Safety Statistics
This incident contributes to the troubling trend of roadway fatalities in South Carolina. As of May 2025, there have already been 278 fatalities on the state’s roads. In 2024, at least 948 individuals lost their lives in traffic-related accidents across the state, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety.
Specifically in Sumter County, six residents have been reported dead in vehicle crashes this year, marking a significant issue for the area’s road safety. This is in contrast to 19 road fatalities recorded in the county throughout 2024, indicating the persistent dangers that drivers and pedestrians alike face in the region.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into this tragic incident remains active, with the Highway Patrol and the Coroner’s office looking into all available evidence. At this time, there is no information regarding whether the driver of the pickup truck was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Authorities are expected to provide updates as more details become available. Community members are encouraged to practice caution while on the roads, as incidents like this underline the potential dangers of pedestrian and vehicular interactions.
Community Response
In the wake of this accident, local residents may feel a profound sense of loss, as roadside fatalities impact families and communities deeply. The rise in traffic incidents has prompted discussions among citizens regarding road safety measures, including increased awareness campaigns and infrastructural improvements aimed at safeguarding both pedestrians and drivers.
As investigations continue, the community is urged to prioritize safety practices while navigating roadways and to remain alert to the needs of vulnerable road users. Local traffic laws and educational resources on pedestrian safety are available for those seeking more information on how to stay safe while traveling.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of roadways and the importance of vigilance in preventing further incidents. The life of James McCoy lost too soon is a call to action for both lawmakers and community members to engage in meaningful conversations about road safety and preventative measures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Manning Live
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- WIS News
- Google Search: Predicting Road Safety Trends
- ABC Columbia
- Google Scholar: Road Safety Statistics
- WACH News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accidents
- WLTX
- Google News: Sumter County Pedestrian Accident
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.
