Beaufort County, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Tremaine Jalik Coker, a 26-year-old from Grays Hill, has been charged for fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and-run involving cyclist Vick Smalls in Beaufort County. The collision occurred on U.S. 21 over the Fourth of July weekend, resulting in Smalls’ death. Coker turned himself in to police and faces significant penalties under South Carolina law. The tragedy highlights the serious consequences of hit-and-run incidents in communities.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Tremaine Jalik Coker, a 26-year-old man from Grays Hill, has been charged with fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and-run incident involving a bicyclist over the Fourth of July weekend. Coker turned himself in to police on Wednesday morning, and he remains in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
The hit-and-run occurred on U.S. 21 (Trask Parkway) during the night of July 5, with the estimated time of the crash determined to be between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. on July 6. The victim, identified as 50-year-old Vick Smalls of Beaufort, was riding his bicycle when he was struck by Coker’s blue Ford truck. After the collision, Coker allegedly left the scene without notifying law enforcement.
In the investigation, public records indicated that Coker also has an address listed in Yemassee within Hampton County. After the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) identified the suspect vehicle as a blue Ford, photographs of a 2002 Ford F-150 extended cab pickup truck were released as a “vehicle of interest.” Coker now faces serious legal repercussions, as under South Carolina law, fleeing a fatal hit-and-run is classified as a felony with potential penalties ranging from one to 25 years in prison, and fines between $10,000 and $25,000.
Vick Smalls is remembered by his loved ones as a “natural comedian” known for his compassion and friendship. His tragic passing has devastated those close to him, highlighting the serious consequences of hit-and-run incidents on families and communities.
As Coker awaits further legal proceedings, bond information was not available as of Wednesday afternoon. The SCHP is also engaged in investigating another hit-and-run incident that occurred on July 6, involving a 39-year-old pedestrian named Dontay Frost, who was struck and killed on Okatie Highway. In that case, two vehicles, a Honda Civic (2016 to 2018) and an unidentified SUV, were implicated and have yet to be located, as both vehicles fled the scene, last seen heading toward Bluffton.
The SCHP continues to seek public assistance in locating the vehicles involved in both fatal hit-and-run cases, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families.
Key Facts About the Incident
- Incident Type: Fatal hit-and-run
- Location: U.S. 21 (Trask Parkway), Beaufort County
- Victim: Vick Smalls, 50, Beaufort
- Suspect: Tremaine Jalik Coker, 26, Grays Hill
- Vehicle Involved: Blue 2002 Ford F-150
- Charges: Fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and-run
- Estimated Crash Time: Between 8 p.m. July 5 and 6 a.m. July 6
- Bond Status: Not available
Background Context
Incidents of hit-and-run remain a serious concern in South Carolina, with strict laws in place to penalize those who choose to flee the scene of an accident. As authorities work to resolve these cases, the impact on victims’ families serves as a reminder of the need for accountability on the road.
FAQ Section
Who is Tremaine Jalik Coker?
Tremaine Jalik Coker is a 26-year-old man from Grays Hill who has been charged with fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and-run incident involving bicyclist Vick Smalls.
What happened over the July 4 weekend?
A fatal hit-and-run incident occurred on U.S. 21 (Trask Parkway) in which Vick Smalls, 50, was struck by Coker’s truck while riding a bicycle.
What is the legal status of Coker?
Coker turned himself in to police and remains in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center. Bond information was not available at the time of reporting.
What penalties does Coker face?
Under South Carolina law, fleeing a fatal hit-and-run is a felony with penalties ranging from one to 25 years in prison and fines between $10,000 and $25,000.
Is there another hit-and-run case being investigated?
Yes, there is a separate investigation regarding another hit-and-run incident from July 6 involving pedestrian Dontay Frost, who was struck and killed.
Incident Overview Chart
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Fatal hit-and-run |
| Victim | Vick Smalls, 50 |
| Suspect | Tremaine Jalik Coker, 26 |
| Crash Time | Between 8 p.m. July 5 and 6 a.m. July 6 |
| Vehicle Involved | Blue 2002 Ford F-150 |
| Potential Penalty | 1 to 25 years imprisonment & fines of $10,000 to $25,000 |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, with public assistance sought |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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St. Helena Island Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Members
Multiple Crashes Raise Safety Concerns in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Traffic Deaths Decline
Beaufort City Accidentally Releases Confidential Information
Tragic Collision Claims Life of Pedestrian in Bluffton
Fatal Hit-and-Run Accidents Focus Attention on Cyclist Safety
Multiple Traffic Accidents in Beaufort County Result in Casualties
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Beaufort hit-and-run
- WTOC
- Google Scholar: fatal hit-and-run South Carolina
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hit-and-run
- Bluffton Today
- Google News: Beaufort hit-and-run 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.
