News Summary
A tragic hit-and-run accident in Beaufort County on Sunday claimed the life of a 50-year-old bicyclist named Vick Smalls. He was struck while riding on U.S. 21. Authorities are investigating the incident, searching for a blue Ford truck or SUV that may have damage to the passenger side front headlight. This incident is part of a concerning trend in the area, with multiple traffic fatalities reported over the July 4 weekend. The community is urged to assist in the investigation to bring accountability for this tragic loss.
Beaufort County – A hit-and-run accident on Sunday left a 50-year-old bicyclist dead, prompting an investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The victim, identified as Vick Smalls, was struck while traveling south on U.S. 21, also known as Trask Parkway, near the intersection with Bruce K. Smalls Drive. Authorities pronounced Smalls dead at the scene, as confirmed by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office. The time of the collision remains undetermined and is still under investigation.
According to reports, the vehicle involved is suspected to be a blue Ford truck or SUV, likely a model from 1996-2004 Ford F150, 1997-1999 Ford F250, or 1997-2002 Ford Expedition. Witnesses noted that the suspect’s vehicle may have damage to the passenger side front headlight, a detail that could assist with the investigation. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has yet to issue any flyers seeking public assistance in identifying the vehicle or driver involved in the incident.
This tragic event marks one of two traffic fatalities reported in Beaufort County over the July 4 holiday weekend. In a separate incident that occurred just after midnight on Saturday, a pedestrian was struck and killed by two vehicles along U.S. 21. In that case, both vehicles remained at the scene and are not being classified as hit-and-run incidents.
The weekend’s fatalities have contributed to a worrying trend in Beaufort County, which has seen nine and ten total traffic-related deaths in 2024 as of early July. A total of 26 traffic fatalities have been reported in the area for the current year, including five pedestrian deaths. U.S. 21 is recognized as one of Beaufort County’s most dangerous roadways due to its high collision statistics, according to information from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
The community is urged to assist in the ongoing investigation. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information about the suspect vehicle to come forward. Any input from the public could be vital in providing closure to the case and ensuring accountability for the actions that led to this tragic loss of life.
The collision reflects broader concerns about road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. Authorities continue working to address issues surrounding traffic safety in Beaufort County, emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices to prevent incidents like this in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Six-Vehicle Accident on U.S. 278 Leaves One Dead, Three Injured
One Dead, Three Injured in Six-Vehicle Crash in Bluffton
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County, South Carolina
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Fatal hit-and-run in Beaufort County
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- Your Island News
- Google News: Beaufort County traffic fatalities
- WTOC
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.
