South Carolina man killed in early morning crash, coroner says. Here’s what happened
Peter Klinsman
Posted On September 3, 2024
Tragic Roadway Fatality in South Carolina
On Sunday, a tragic accident claimed the life of 60-year-old Keith Jerome Barnett of Goose Creek, South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the incident occurred shortly after 3:50 a.m. on NAD Road in Berkeley County.
Details of the Collision
Cpl. Nick Pye of the Highway Patrol reported that Barnett was walking in the eastbound lanes of NAD Road near the intersection with Snake Road when he was struck by a 2014 Nissan sedan also traveling eastbound. The impact proved fatal for Barnett, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Initial Investigation
Pye stated that the Nissan driver was uninjured and that no other individuals were reported harmed. As of the initial investigation, it is unknown whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt. Both the Highway Patrol and the Berkeley County Coroner’s Office are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Statistics on Roadway Fatalities in South Carolina
The tragic loss of life on Sunday highlights the ongoing issue of roadway fatalities in South Carolina. According to the state Department of Public Safety (DPS), as of August 25, 2024, at least 563 people had died in traffic-related incidents on state roads. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year, in which 1,030 individuals lost their lives in roadway crashes.
Berkeley County Fatalities
Berkeley County has seen a disproportionate number of roadway fatalities in 2024. DPS data indicates that at least 22 individuals have died in crashes within the county. These statistics underscore the need for increased vigilance and safety measures to reduce the number of preventable tragedies on the state’s roadways.
Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Berkeley County Coroner’s Office are continuing their investigation into the fatal crash. Authorities are examining factors such as driver behavior, road conditions, and any contributing circumstances. The findings of the investigation will be released once they are available.
