Beaufort County, January 21, 2026
A tragic collision occurred on U.S. 17 in northern Beaufort County, where a tractor-trailer struck and killed a pedestrian identified as Scott McKeever. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, which left McKeever suffering from blunt force injuries. This incident is part of a series of fatal accidents that took place during a recent holiday weekend, prompting concern over road safety in the area.
Beaufort, South Carolina – A pedestrian was fatally struck by a tractor-trailer Monday evening on U.S. 17 in northern Beaufort County. The victim has been identified as 48-year-old Scott McKeever of Bluffton.
Fatal Collision in Beaufort County Claims Pedestrian’s Life
The tragic incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. to 8:11 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026. The collision took place on U.S. 17, also known as Charleston Highway, just north of River Road. This location is approximately five miles northeast of the U.S. 17/21 junction in Gardens Corner.
Details of the Crash
According to reports from the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), a 1999 Peterbilt semi-truck, which was traveling northbound on the highway, struck Scott McKeever, who was in the roadway. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office also received multiple calls reporting a male walking on the side of the highway when he was hit by “multiple vehicles.” Following the impact, the man’s body was found on the pavement, and the large semi-truck had stopped on the westbound side of the highway. First responders promptly shut down both lanes of U.S. 17 heading into Beaufort to manage the scene and allow emergency medical services to respond. McKeever tragically died from blunt force injuries sustained in the collision.
Ongoing Investigation by State Highway Patrol
The South Carolina Highway Patrol has taken control of the investigation into the fatal crash. As of Tuesday morning, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office confirmed the pedestrian fatality and identified the victim as Scott McKeever. No other injuries were reported in connection with this specific incident, and the investigation remains ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
Context of Recent Fatalities in Beaufort County
This fatal pedestrian collision marks one of several deadly traffic incidents that occurred in Beaufort County over a three-day holiday weekend, from January 16 to January 19, 2026. The weekend saw a string of fatal collisions, including a driver who died after being ejected from their vehicle and struck by an SUV on Bluffton Parkway. Additionally, two individuals were killed, and another was critically injured in a head-on crash on Lady’s Island. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office had been working to identify victims from these three separate fatal traffic collisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When and where did the pedestrian fatal crash occur?
A: The fatal crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. to 8:11 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, on U.S. 17 (Charleston Highway) just north of River Road in northern Beaufort County, South Carolina.
Q: Who was the pedestrian killed in the crash?
A: The pedestrian killed in the crash was identified as 48-year-old Scott McKeever of Bluffton.
Q: What type of vehicle was involved in striking the pedestrian?
A: A 1999 Peterbilt semi-truck was involved in striking the pedestrian.
Q: Which agency is investigating the crash?
A: The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is investigating the crash.
Q: Were there other recent fatal accidents in Beaufort County?
A: Yes, this incident was one of three fatal traffic collisions in Beaufort County over a three-day holiday weekend from January 16 to January 19, 2026.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Monday, January 19, 2026 | State-level |
| Time of Incident | Around 8:00 p.m. to 8:11 p.m. | State-level |
| Location | U.S. 17 (Charleston Highway) just north of River Road, northern Beaufort County | State-level |
| Victim’s Name | Scott McKeever | State-level |
| Victim’s Age | 48 years old | State-level |
| Victim’s Hometown | Bluffton | State-level |
| Vehicle Involved | 1999 Peterbilt semi-truck | State-level |
| Investigating Agency | South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) | State-level |
| Fatalities in Beaufort County (Jan 16-19, 2026) | Three separate fatal traffic collisions | State-level |
Now Happening on X
- @RepNancyMace (January 21, 2026, 5:11 PM): Cold weather shelters are opening in Beaufort County, including Burton Wells Rec Center and Sea Island Presbyterian Church from January 21–24, 5pm-8am, to assist residents during the cold front. View on X
- @WSAV (January 20, 2026, 1:00 PM): A pedestrian was hit and killed in a collision in Beaufort County. View on X
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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.
