News Summary
A collision on U.S. Highway 21 in Beaufort resulted in the death of 35-year-old Rhonda Randall. The fatal accident, occurring shortly after midnight, raises concerns over road safety as it marks one of two fatalities reported during the July 4 holiday weekend. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and other recent traffic incidents that have raised awareness of safety in the area.
Beaufort—A tragic collision on U.S. Highway 21 left a 35-year-old woman, Rhonda Randall, dead just after midnight on July 6. The incident, occurring around 12:05 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 21 (Parris Island Gateway) and Broad River Boulevard, marks one of two traffic fatalities reported in the Beaufort area during the July 4 holiday weekend.
Randall was pronounced dead quickly after the crash due to blunt-force trauma sustained when two passing vehicles struck her. The vehicles involved in the incident were identified as a 2005 Dodge SUV and a 2011 Jeep SUV, both traveling south on U.S. Highway 21 at the time of the collision. Authorities confirmed that neither driver was injured and both remained at the scene, cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP).
This incident, along with a second traffic fatality involving a bicyclist named Vick Smalls, 50, has raised concerns about road safety in Beaufort County. Smalls was struck by an unknown vehicle that left the scene shortly after the incident, further complicating the ongoing investigations. These two tragic events bring the number of traffic fatalities in Beaufort County for the year 2025 to nine, with the July 4 weekend accounting for the ninth and tenth known fatalities.
In 2024, Beaufort County recorded a total of 26 fatalities resulting from traffic-related incidents, which included five pedestrian deaths. The increase in fatalities highlights the pressing safety issues on local roadways. Data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety has identified U.S. 21 as one of the most dangerous highways in the region based on collision statistics.
A review of recent traffic incidents in Beaufort County reveals a worrying trend of fatalities involving pedestrians, motorcyclists, and drivers throughout the early part of 2025. The SCHP is actively working to gather further information and investigate the contributing factors leading to Randall’s tragic death, as well as to identify the suspect vehicle and driver involved in the hit-and-run incident that killed Vick Smalls.
The circumstances surrounding these fatalities are under scrutiny, as community members and officials express their concern over the safety of local roads. With the ongoing investigations, authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant while traveling in the area, especially during peak holiday periods when road usage tends to increase, leading to a higher potential for accidents.
The recent incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continued efforts to reduce traffic fatalities in Beaufort County. As investigations proceed, more information may emerge that could inform future safety measures aimed at protecting pedestrians and all roadway users.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Rising Concerns Over Traffic Safety Amid Multiple Fatal Accidents
Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Bicyclist in Beaufort
Explore the Hidden Charms of South Carolina’s Small Towns
Ongoing Investigation Following Fatal Hit-and-Run In Beaufort
Pedestrian Fatality on U.S. Highway 21 in Beaufort County
Investigation Underway for Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Beaufort County
Tragic Drowning Incident at Hunting Island State Park
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Tragic Collision in Beaufort
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Traffic Fatality
- Google Search: Beaufort traffic safety
- Live 5 News: SC Highway Patrol Investigation
- Google Scholar: Traffic fatalities Beaufort County
- Bluffton Today: Beaufort Man Dies in Accident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Live 5 News: Vehicle Collides with Pedestrian
- Google News: Beaufort County traffic news
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.
