Bluffton, January 21, 2026
In a tragic incident, Scott McKeever, a 48-year-old man from Bluffton, South Carolina, was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 17. The accident occurred near River Road, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the case. McKeever suffered fatal injuries at the scene, prompting concerns about highway safety and the increasing frequency of pedestrian accidents in the area. Investigative teams will conduct thorough reviews to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
Bluffton
Bluffton Man Tragically Dies After Being Struck by Tractor-Trailer on US Highway 17
A 48-year-old Bluffton man, Scott McKeever, tragically died Monday evening after being struck by a tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 17 in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The incident has prompted an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
McKeever was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near River Road due to “blunt force injuries” sustained in the auto-pedestrian collision. The fatal incident, which involved a 1999 Peterbilt tractor-trailer, occurred just after 8:10 p.m.. The vehicle involved was reportedly traveling north on U.S. 17 at the time of the collision. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim’s identity.
Investigation Underway
The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is the primary agency investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. For complex and deadly collisions such as this, the SCHP may deploy its Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT). These specialized teams are equipped and trained to conduct in-depth investigations and collision reconstructions to determine the precise events leading to the incident and the factors contributing to injury or death. MAIT investigations can involve gathering forensic samples, analyzing details like skid marks, and utilizing specialized software to create computer animations that reconstruct the sequence of events. This comprehensive process aims to rule out potential causes and pinpoint exactly how the accident occurred. The completion of a MAIT investigation can take a minimum of eight weeks from the incident date.
Context of Highway Safety
U.S. Highway 17, also known as the Coastal Highway, is a significant north-south route stretching across the Southeastern United States. The South Carolina segment of US 17 has been the subject of safety concerns, with a particular 22-mile stretch from Beaufort County to Colleton County previously noted for high accident rates. This has led to infrastructure improvements such as improved alignments, grading, widening, and bridge replacements in attempts to enhance safety.
South Carolina roadways, in general, experience a substantial number of traffic accidents each year. State-level statistics indicate that a fatal collision occurs approximately every 8.6 hours, and a pedestrian is fatally struck every two days. In Beaufort County specifically, traffic data from 2020 to mid-2024 highlights that common factors contributing to collisions include failure to yield the right of way, distracted or inattentive driving, and driving too fast for conditions.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents nationwide are often linked to several key factors. Distracted driving stands out as a primary cause, involving any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from safely operating their vehicle. The increase in smartphone usage has exacerbated this issue, with activities like texting combining visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Speeding is another significant factor, as higher vehicle speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of injuries in the event of an impact. Impaired driving, due to alcohol or drugs, also significantly compromises road safety by affecting reaction times, judgment, vision, and perception. Alcohol, for example, is a factor in nearly half of all crashes that result in a pedestrian death. Additionally, motorists failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians is a common contributor to these types of collisions.
The investigation into the death of Scott McKeever remains active as authorities work to fully understand all contributing factors to this tragic event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim of the U.S. Highway 17 accident?
The victim was 48-year-old Scott McKeever from Bluffton.
When did the accident on U.S. Highway 17 occur?
The accident occurred on Monday, just after 8:10 p.m.
Where did the accident take place?
The accident took place on U.S. Highway 17 near River Road in Beaufort County, South Carolina.
What type of vehicle was involved in the collision?
A 1999 Peterbilt tractor-trailer was involved in the collision.
Which agency is investigating the crash?
The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is investigating the crash.
What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Common factors contributing to pedestrian accidents nationwide include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, and motorists failing to yield the right of way.
Key Features of the Incident and Investigation
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Victim Identified | Scott McKeever, 48, of Bluffton | Local |
| Date and Time of Incident | Monday, January 20, 2026, just after 8:10 p.m. | Local |
| Location of Accident | U.S. Highway 17 near River Road, Beaufort County, South Carolina | State-level |
| Vehicle Involved | 1999 Peterbilt tractor-trailer | Local |
| Cause of Death | Blunt force injuries | Local |
| Investigating Agency | South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) | State-level |
| Type of Investigation | Auto-pedestrian collision, potentially involving MAIT | State-level |
| US Highway 17 Safety Concerns | Known for high accident rates in certain South Carolina segments, leading to infrastructure upgrades | State-level |
| Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents | Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, failure to yield | Nationwide |
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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.
