News Summary
On April 30, 2025, tragedy struck in West Columbia when a 30-year-old man, Zackary Ryan Rose, was fatally hit by a vehicle while crossing Augusta Road. The incident, which is under investigation, highlights ongoing safety concerns in an area with minimal pedestrian infrastructure and heavy traffic. As the community reflects on pedestrian safety, ongoing construction aims to improve conditions with new crosswalks and traffic lights to prevent similar accidents in the future.
West Columbia Reports Fatal Pedestrian Incident
A tragic incident occurred on April 30, 2025, when a 30-year-old pedestrian, Zackary Ryan Rose, was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing Augusta Road in West Columbia, Lexington County, South Carolina. The accident took place in the 2800 block of Augusta Road, a busy area that sees a high volume of vehicle traffic.
According to reports, Rose was crossing the road when he was hit by a westbound vehicle. Unfortunately, he sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle remained at the site of the accident and reported no injuries.
Investigation Underway
The incident is currently under investigation by the Lexington County Coroner’s Office and the West Columbia Police Department. There is no immediate information indicating whether Rose was utilizing a designated crosswalk at the time of the incident.
Traffic and Safety Concerns
The area where the incident took place is known for its minimal pedestrian crosswalks. Augusta Road is a four-lane route that accommodates a considerable amount of traffic, with an average of 35,100 vehicles passing through daily, according to traffic counts from the South Carolina Department of Transportation in 2024. This high volume of vehicles raises concerns about pedestrian safety in the vicinity, especially considering the presence of many busy chain restaurants and retail stores along the road.
In response to safety concerns, current construction in the area began in fall 2024. The goal of this project is to enhance pedestrian safety by adding new medians, crosswalks, and traffic lights. These improvements are designed to create a safer environment for walkers and help prevent future incidents.
Background on Pedestrian Safety in South Carolina
South Carolina has faced significant challenges related to pedestrian safety in recent years. In 2020, the state reported the second-highest number of pedestrian deaths in the nation, according to data from the Department of Transportation. Such statistics highlight the pressing need for improved infrastructure and safety measures for pedestrians throughout the state.
As investigations continue and discussions surrounding pedestrian safety gain momentum, community awareness and support for initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety remain critical. The tragic death of Zackary Ryan Rose has once again sparked conversations on the importance of vigilance for both drivers and pedestrians alike in preventing future accidents.
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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.
