News Summary
A $50,000 settlement has been reached in the wrongful death case of 62-year-old Catherine ‘Kitten’ Weichbrodt, who was tragically killed in a pedestrian accident on U.S. 21. The collision involved Nathaniel James Obie, who reportedly drove at high speed and may have been distracted. Despite the allegations, Obie denied wrongdoing, with the settlement reflecting the maximum insurance coverage available. Weichbrodt’s family remembers her as an outspoken and carefree spirit. Her death highlights the ongoing safety concerns for pedestrians in Beaufort County, where traffic fatalities are on the rise.
Beaufort County – A $50,000 settlement has been reached in a wrongful death case concerning the tragic death of Catherine “Kitten” Weichbrodt, a 62-year-old pedestrian who was killed on U.S. 21, also known as Trask Parkway, on November 18, 2024. The collision, which resulted in immediate fatality for Weichbrodt, involved a Toyota sedan driven by 30-year-old Nathaniel James Obie from Sheldon.
The incident took place as Weichbrodt was crossing the highway around 6:40 PM, 40 minutes after sunset, near the intersection of U.S. 21 and Salt Creek Drive, just south of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The impact from the collision was severe, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Obie approximately four months after the tragic accident. The suit claimed that Obie was driving at a high rate of speed and may have been distracted or inattentive at the time of the incident. It was alleged that he failed to maintain a proper lookout, contributing to the collision that claimed Weichbrodt’s life.
Despite the allegations outlining potential negligence, Obie denied any wrongdoing related to the crash. The settlement reached with Weichbrodt’s family resulted from an agreement with his insurance company, which provided the maximum coverage per accident, amounting to $50,000.
Patrick Carr, the attorney representing Weichbrodt’s family, mentioned that he believed there was negligence involved in the incident; however, he acknowledged that the outcome was influenced by the limitations of Obie’s insurance policy. Due to this cap on coverage, the settlement was determined as a compromise rather than a judgment against Obie.
Weichbrodt, originally from New York, is remembered fondly by her family and friends as an “outspoken, carefree spirit” with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, butterflies, and the color purple. She was a dedicated mother to two daughters and worked at the Ober Gatlinburg ski resort in Tennessee, also enjoying a passion for nature and outdoor activities.
She was sadly one of five pedestrians who lost their lives on Beaufort County roadways in 2024. Statistics reveal that the county experienced a total of 26 traffic-related fatalities during the same year, underscoring a concerning trend in road safety.
U.S. 21, known as Trask Parkway, has been identified as one of the most dangerous roads in Beaufort County, with a high collision count reported by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. The area where Weichbrodt was struck is particularly notorious for accidents, raising alarms about pedestrian safety in that region and broader traffic conditions.
Following the incident, Nathaniel James Obie chose not to comment on the settlement or the circumstances surrounding the allegations. This case highlights the ongoing struggles many families face when dealing with traffic incidents and the profound impact such tragedies have on communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outer Banks Begins Filming Its Final Season in Lowcountry
Investigation into Beaufort County Probate Court Employee
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County, South Carolina
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Beaufort County traffic incidents
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- WJCL
- Google News: Beaufort County hit and run
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.
