Hilton Head Island, September 28, 2025
News Summary
A tragic accident on Hilton Head Island resulted in the death of Floyd Crespo, an employee of Rahn’s Wrecker Service, who was struck by a semi-truck. The incident occurred as Crespo was performing a trailer lift when a recovered semi-truck side-swiped the wrecker, leading to fatal injuries. Rahn’s Wrecker Service has clarified local reports about the accident and emphasized the importance of road safety, particularly the need to ‘SLOW DOWN & MOVE OVER.’ The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the case.
Hilton Head Island – A tragic accident on September 25, 2025, resulted in the death of Floyd Crespo, an employee of Rahn’s Wrecker Service, who was struck by a semi-truck while performing his duties in a parking lot on Hilton Head Island. The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. as Crespo was executing a trailer lift that had become hung up on a curb.
As part of his operation, Crespo moved his wrecker out of the roadway to alleviate traffic congestion. While standing at his control compartment, rolling in the cables, a semi-truck that Crespo had just recovered attempted to turn back into the parking lot and side-swiped the wrecker. The collision resulted in Crespo being pinned between the wrecker and the trailer, leading to fatal injuries.
Rahn’s Wrecker Service has issued a statement clarifying that local news reports inaccurately described the incident as involving a pedestrian being hit by the semi-truck. They emphasized that this case falls under the critical safety reminder of “SLOW DOWN & MOVE OVER.” In light of this tragedy, the towing company has requested prayers for Crespo’s family and their own team members, who are mourning the loss.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is actively investigating the crash that occurred in the parking lot of the Harris Teeter on Main Street. This incident marks the 16th known traffic fatality in Beaufort County for the year 2025 and is notable as the fourth pedestrian death this year. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office initially withheld Crespo’s identity, but further details are emerging as the investigation continues to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident and whether any charges will be filed against the truck driver.
Investigation Details
The ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol aims to establish the precise conditions leading to the accident. Officers are reviewing evidence and motorist behavior at the time, with a focus on traffic regulations surrounding tow truck operations and the responsibilities of drivers in navigating areas where such services are being conducted.
Community Response
Following the accident, local community members and businesses are expressing their condolences and support for Crespo’s family and the employees at Rahn’s Wrecker Service. As the company navigates this difficult period, local leaders are reiterating the importance of road safety, especially for those working in or around roadways. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement, safety advocates, and the community aim to raise awareness and prevent future tragedies.
Background Context
Traffic accidents continue to pose significant dangers to both road users and workers operating in close proximity to moving vehicles. The “SLOW DOWN & MOVE OVER” campaign underscores the need for all motorists to take precautionary measures when approaching tow trucks and emergency vehicles actively working on the roadways. Public awareness is crucial for enhancing safety protocols and protecting those whose jobs involve roadside assistance.
Statistics on Traffic Fatalities
The tragic passing of Floyd Crespo adds to a concerning number of traffic fatalities in Beaufort County. In 2025, the county has already recorded 16 traffic fatalities, including four pedestrian deaths, indicating a trend that local authorities are eager to address through stricter safety measures and public engagement.
FAQ
- When did the incident occur?
- The incident occurred on September 25, 2025, around 2:45 p.m.
- What happened in the accident?
- Floyd Crespo, an employee of Rahn’s Wrecker Service, was killed by a semi-truck while standing at his control compartment rolling in the cables of a wrecker.
- What was Crespo doing at the time of the accident?
- Crespo was completing a trailer lift that was hung up on a curb and moved his wrecker out of the roadway to clear traffic.
- How did the accident happen?
- The semi-truck Crespo had just recovered attempted to turn back into the parking lot and side-swiped the wrecker, pinning Crespo.
- What has Rahn’s Wrecker Service said about the incident?
- They clarified that local news reports inaccurately described the incident as a pedestrian being hit by a semi-truck and emphasized the message “SLOW DOWN & MOVE OVER.”
- How is law enforcement responding to the incident?
- The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and determining the circumstances surrounding the accident as well as potential charges against the truck driver.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 25, 2025 |
| Time of Incident | Around 2:45 p.m. |
| Victim | Floyd Crespo |
| Involvement of Semi-Truck | Side-swiped the wrecker |
| Location | Parking lot of Harris Teeter, Main Street |
| Ongoing Investigation | Conducted by the South Carolina Highway Patrol |
| Safety Reminder | “SLOW DOWN & MOVE OVER” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Wrecker Operator Killed in Tragic Truck Incident
Tragic Pedestrian Fatality on Hilton Head Island
Fatal Accident in Beaufort County Parking Lot
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Wrecker Service Speaks Out After Worker Killed
- Island Packet: Fatal Accident on Hilton Head Island
- WJCL: Semi-Truck Hits and Kills Worker on Hilton Head Island
- WTOC: One Person Dead After Hilton Head Crash
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Post and Courier: Interstate 95 Crash in Colleton County
- Island Packet: Traffic Fatalities in Beaufort County
- WYFF: Man Dies After Fall from Pickup Truck
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island traffic accidents
- WJCL: Carlos Vera Crash on Hilton Head Island
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.
