News Summary
Early Sunday morning, two tragic pedestrian crashes on US-21 in Burton, Beaufort County resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Rhonda Randall, aged 35, and Vick Smalls, 50, were both victims of separate incidents that raised safety concerns about the roadway. Local authorities are investigating the hit-and-run case involving Smalls and stressing the importance of driver caution as they seek to enhance safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists in the area.
Burton, Beaufort County
Two fatal pedestrian crashes occurred on US-21 in Burton, Beaufort County, early Sunday morning, prompting local authorities to stress the importance of driver caution. The tragic incidents resulted in the deaths of two individuals and have raised concerns about safety on this roadway, which is notorious for its dangerous conditions.
The first incident took place shortly after midnight, when two vehicles struck a pedestrian. The victim, identified as Rhonda Randall, aged 35, succumbed to her injuries at the scene due to blunt force trauma. Approximately six hours later, the second collision involved Vick Smalls, a 50-year-old man biking on US-21, who was hit by a vehicle that fled the scene. Law enforcement officials have yet to locate the driver of this vehicle.
Authorities are currently searching for a vehicle linked to the hit-and-run incident. They are on the lookout for a 1990s Ford truck or an early 2000s Ford SUV that is expected to have damage on the passenger side headlight. The investigations into both crashes are being carried out by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The recent fatalities mark a somber milestone for Beaufort County, being the 9th and 10th traffic deaths recorded in the area in 2025. These incidents contribute to growing concerns regarding pedestrian and cyclist safety on US-21, which has a high incidence of collisions.
Assistant Fire Chief Dan Byrne from the Burton Fire Department expressed a desire for these accidents to be the last for the year but remained cautious about the potential dangers that summer months may present. He indicated that traffic accidents tend to spike during the late-night and early-morning hours, primarily due to poor lighting and driver distractions.
Byrne emphasized the critical need for improved safety measures for both pedestrians and cyclists. He advised individuals to limit their walking or biking activities to well-lit hours and to wear reflective clothing during nighttime to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future.
US-21 has gained a reputation as one of the most hazardous roadways in Beaufort County, a fact supported by the history of fatal incidents involving both pedestrians and cyclists. Local residents and officials share a common goal of increasing awareness around road safety, advocating for better measures to protect those who share the streets.
The ongoing investigations into these tragic events are crucial not only to bring justice for the victims and their families but also to create a safer environment for all road users in the area. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant while driving, particularly in areas known for high accident rates.
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Additional Resources
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.
