Beaufort County, January 23, 2026
Beaufort County has experienced a series of tragic traffic incidents, including a pedestrian fatality, sparking renewed calls for improved road safety measures. Local advocates emphasize the urgent need for enhanced protection for vulnerable road users following multiple collisions during a holiday weekend. The latest incident involved Scott McKeever, who lost his life after being struck by a tractor-trailer on U.S. 17. This sudden spike in accidents raises important questions about pedestrian and cyclist safety in the region.
Beaufort County Grapples with String of Fatal Crashes, Renewing Calls for Pedestrian Safety
Beaufort County, South Carolina – A series of tragic traffic collisions, including a fatal pedestrian incident, has occurred in Beaufort County within recent days, prompting renewed advocacy for enhanced road safety measures. The latest incident involved a pedestrian who was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer on Monday evening, January 20, 2026, marking the third deadly crash on county roadways over the holiday weekend. Public safety advocates are once again urging for increased attention to protecting vulnerable road users in the region.
Pedestrian Fatality on U.S. 17
The most recent fatal incident took place around 8:11 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2026, when a pedestrian identified as Scott McKeever, a 48-year-old male from Bluffton, was fatally struck by a vehicle. The collision occurred on U.S. 17 (Charleston Highway) near River Road in the Lobeco area of northern Beaufort County. McKeever sustained blunt force injuries and died at the scene. Authorities reported that McKeever was in the roadway when he was hit by a 1999 Peterbilt tractor-trailer traveling northbound. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this collision.
A Weekend of Tragedies on Beaufort County Roads
The pedestrian fatality on Monday was part of a string of three deadly traffic incidents that marred the recent three-day holiday weekend in Beaufort County. Just hours before the pedestrian crash, on Sunday night, January 19, 2026, two individuals lost their lives, and another teenager was critically injured in a head-on collision on Lady’s Island. This incident, which occurred around 10:49 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 21 (Sea Island Parkway) and Eustis Landing Road, involved a Honda and a Subaru, with the Subaru catching fire. The victims of the Lady’s Island crash were identified as Amya Fields, a 17-year-old female from Beaufort and a passenger in the Honda, and Louis Carbonneau, a 54-year-old male from St. Helena Island, who was driving the Subaru. A 17-year-old male passenger in the Honda was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital with critical injuries.
Earlier in the weekend, on Saturday afternoon, January 18, 2026, another driver was killed on Bluffton Parkway after being ejected from a Ford Mustang and subsequently struck by an SUV. These multiple fatalities in quick succession have intensified concerns about road safety across the county.
Calls for Enhanced Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
In the wake of these recent tragedies, advocates are reiterating the urgent need for improved safety conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists in Beaufort County. Organizations like the Lowcountry Bike/Walk Advocates, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing conditions for active transportation in Beaufort and Jasper Counties, strive to improve infrastructure and policies that prioritize the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
Beaufort County has recognized the importance of such initiatives through its “Beaufort County Connects: Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan 2021.” This plan is a proactive tool designed to create a safer, interconnected, and efficient network for bicycles and pedestrians throughout the county. However, historical data underscores the persistent challenges. Between 2018 and 2020, nine pedestrians and four cyclists were killed in crashes within Beaufort County. Furthermore, a 2021 report, “Dangerous by Design,” ranked South Carolina as the 7th most dangerous state in the United States for pedestrians, with one pedestrian killed statewide approximately every 2.2 days. These statistics highlight that safety concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists in the region are well-founded and critical to address.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in promoting and preserving public safety across the county. In addition to law enforcement efforts, the Sheriff’s Office offers Victims Advocacy services, working to assist individuals, families, and communities impacted by crime, including those affected by tragic incidents on the roads. As investigations into the recent crashes continue, the community awaits further details and hopes for actions that will prevent future loss of life on local roadways.
Key Details of Recent Beaufort County Fatal Collisions
| Incident | Date | Location | Victim(s) | Details | Investigation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian Fatality | Monday, Jan 20, 2026, around 8:11 p.m. | U.S. 17 (Charleston Highway) near River Road, Lobeco area, northern Beaufort County | Scott McKeever (48, Bluffton) | Struck by a 1999 Peterbilt tractor-trailer while in the roadway. Sustained blunt force injuries. | Under investigation by South Carolina Highway Patrol |
| Head-on Collision | Sunday, Jan 19, 2026, around 10:49 p.m. | U.S. 21 (Sea Island Parkway) and Eustis Landing Road, Lady’s Island | Amya Fields (17, Beaufort), Louis Carbonneau (54, St. Helena Island) | Honda and Subaru collided head-on; Subaru caught fire. One other teenager critically injured. | Under investigation |
| Driver Fatality | Saturday, Jan 18, 2026 | Bluffton Parkway | Driver (unidentified in provided sources) | Ejected from a Ford Mustang, then struck by an SUV. | Under investigation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Runaway Teen Jeremiah Located Safe and Unharmed
Tragic Start to the Year in Beaufort County
Beaufort County and Coastal South Carolina Prepare for Winter Storm Fern
Lawsuit Filed Against Beaufort County School District Over Injury
Tragic Pedestrian Accident Claims Life in Beaufort County
Bluffton Man Dies After Being Struck by Tractor-Trailer
Mother Sues Beaufort County School District Over Child’s Injury
Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Beaufort County
Fatal Collision in Beaufort County Claims Life of Pedestrian
Tragic Vehicle Crashes Claim Lives in Beaufort County
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.
