News Summary
A devastating six-car collision on U.S. Highway 278 resulted in the death of 43-year-old Juan Tahual-Lopez. The crash involved multiple vehicles and left several individuals injured. This incident highlights ongoing concerns over roadway safety in the area. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of the deceased, who was a dedicated father of four daughters. The investigation is ongoing as authorities urge greater awareness of safe driving practices to prevent further tragedies.
Beaufort County – A tragic six-car crash on U.S. Highway 278 claimed the life of 43-year-old Juan Tahual-Lopez. The collision occurred at White Oak Circle on Monday, May 19, 2025, at approximately 12:31 p.m. Tahual-Lopez succumbed to blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the incident, as confirmed by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.
The crash involved a total of six vehicles, with three heading west, including a Ford pickup truck, a Lexus sedan, and a Toyota pickup. The eastbound vehicles consisted of a Nissan pickup, a Chevrolet pickup occupied by Tahual-Lopez, and a Toyota van. The incident began when the Ford pickup left its lane, striking both the Lexus and Toyota pickups before entering oncoming traffic. In the ensuing chaos, the Ford collided with the Nissan and Chevrolet pickups, followed by the Toyota van hitting both the Ford and the Chevrolet.
A total of ten individuals occupied the six vehicles involved in the crash. Following the incident, three people sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. According to law enforcement, Tahual-Lopez was not the driver responsible for initiating the crash.
The crash caused significant traffic disruptions, blocking all eastbound lanes of U.S. 278. Authorities reported that the highway remained closed for nearly five hours, reopening around 5:15 p.m. Drivers were advised to take alternative routes, such as Buckwalter Parkway, to avoid the area during the incident.
In the wake of this tragic event, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to provide support for the family of Tahual-Lopez, who was a dedicated father of four daughters. Social media posts reflect the community’s acknowledgment of his hardworking nature and commitment to his family.
This incident adds to the growing concerns regarding roadway safety in Beaufort County. In 2024, there were a total of 26 fatalities recorded on local roadways, with common causes including drivers running off the road, speeding, and operating vehicles on the wrong side of the road. The ongoing investigation into the factors contributing to this latest crash is being conducted by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, who emphasize the importance of safe driving practices to prevent further tragedies.
The local community continues to mourn the loss of Tahual-Lopez while also urging for greater awareness and safety on the roads. As details surrounding the investigation unfold, officials stress the need for all drivers to adhere to traffic regulations to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Six-Car Crash in Beaufort County
- WTOC: One Person Dead After Bluffton Crash
- ABC News 4: Authorities Identify Victim in Fatal Crash
- Google Search: Road Safety Beaufort County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Motor Vehicle Accident
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
