Hilton Head Island, September 27, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident occurred in Hilton Head Island when a pedestrian was struck and killed by a semi-truck in the parking lot of a Harris Teeter supermarket. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported the accident took place in the afternoon, and the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision, including potential charges against the truck driver. This incident highlights the alarming rate of traffic fatalities and the need for improved pedestrian safety measures in the area.
Hilton Head Island
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a semi-truck on Thursday afternoon in the parking lot of the Harris Teeter supermarket on Main Street, Hilton Head Island. The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) reported that the incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. and resulted in the pedestrian being pronounced dead at the scene.
As of Friday morning, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office had not released the identity of the deceased pedestrian. The semi-truck involved in this tragic event was identified as an International model. Notably, the semi-truck was operating on private property when it struck the pedestrian, but the precise circumstances surrounding the collision remain unclear at this time.
Investigators with the South Carolina Highway Patrol are actively looking into the incident, and it is currently unknown if the truck driver will face any criminal charges as a result of the accident. This event marks the 16th known traffic fatality in Beaufort County for the year and is also the fourth pedestrian death recorded in the county this year.
Investigation Details
The SCHP is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragic accident. While preliminary reports have been made, officials have not yet determined the factors that may have contributed to the collision, including the actions of the truck driver and the pedestrian.
Traffic Statistics
This incident highlights a concerning trend in road safety within Beaufort County. With 16 traffic fatalities documented already in 2023, there is a growing emphasis on the need for increased safety measures for pedestrians. The four pedestrian deaths recorded this year emphasize the vulnerability of individuals on foot in high-traffic areas.
Community Impact
The residents of Hilton Head Island are reminded of the importance of road safety. Community leaders and safety advocates are likely to discuss potential responses to prevent such incidents in the future, which may include enhanced awareness campaigns and safety initiatives for both drivers and pedestrians in the area.
Context of Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety continues to be a major concern in communities across the United States. Factors such as increased traffic, distracted driving, and insufficient infrastructure for pedestrians contribute to dangerous conditions. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect those on foot.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the Hilton Head Island community is left mourning the loss of a life that ended too soon. The details surrounding this incident serve to remind all individuals about the importance of road safety, and the need for ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of pedestrians in public spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Harris Teeter parking lot?
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a semi-truck on Thursday afternoon.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Harris Teeter supermarket on Main Street, Hilton Head Island.
What time did the accident take place?
The accident happened around 2:45 p.m., according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP).
Was the pedestrian pronounced dead at the scene?
Yes, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Will the truck driver face any charges?
It is unclear if the truck driver will face any criminal charges.
How many traffic fatalities have occurred in Beaufort County this year?
This event marks the 16th known traffic fatality in Beaufort County for the year and is also the fourth pedestrian death recorded in Beaufort County this year.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Pedestrian struck by semi-truck |
| Location | Harris Teeter parking lot, Main Street, Hilton Head Island |
| Date and Time | Thursday afternoon, around 2:45 p.m. |
| Victim Status | Pronounced dead at the scene |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by South Carolina Highway Patrol |
| Total Traffic Fatalities in Beaufort County (2023) | 16 |
| Total Pedestrian Deaths in Beaufort County (2023) | 4 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Pedestrian Fatality on Hilton Head Island
Fatal Accident in Beaufort County Parking Lot
Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Semi-Truck in Hilton Head
Fatal Collision at Sun City Boulevard Claims One Life
Fatal Collision in Beaufort County Claims One Life
Fatal Collision on U.S. Highway 278 in Beaufort County
Fatal Crash Investigation in Beaufort, South Carolina
Pedestrian Injured in Downtown Beaufort Collision
Bicyclist Airlifted After Collision with Car on Hilton Head Island
Beaufort County Approves Revised U.S. 278 Corridor Project
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Semi-Truck Hits and Kills Pedestrian on Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- Island Packet: Local Crime Update
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Traffic Accident
- ABC News 4: Hilton Head Woman Arrested in Hit-and-Run
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- Island Packet: Local Traffic News
- Google News: Beaufort County Traffic Fatalities

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.

