Pedestrian Dies Following Late-Night Collision on Lake Edisto Rd in Orangeburg, SC

Orangeburg, SC (June 3, 2026) – A 29-year-old pedestrian lost their life following a traffic collision late Monday evening, June 1. Emergency response units were dispatched to the scene on Lake Edisto Road near the intersection with Erie Hall Drive at approximately 9:33 p.m.

According to troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2003 Nissan Altima was traveling southbound on Lake Edisto Road when the vehicle struck a pedestrian who was in the roadway. First responders treated the victim at the scene before EMS rushed them to MUSC Health Orangeburg for urgent medical intervention.

The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the pedestrian, identified as Kennedy Wood of Tooky Lane in Orangeburg, tragically succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The driver of the Nissan Altima was not injured in the collision and remained at the scene to speak with responding officers.

The circumstances surrounding the fatal incident remain under investigation.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Kennedy Wood during this difficult time.

Can a Family Pursue a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash in South Carolina?

Yes, a family can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina, provided the fatal collision was caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party.

Under South Carolina law, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the court-appointed personal representative of the deceased person's estate. Although the claim is filed by the representative, it is brought on behalf of surviving beneficiaries, which generally include the spouse and children, or the parents if there is no spouse or child. Therefore, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, a civil claim may provide a way for families to seek accountability and financial recovery after a fatal crash.

Beyond accountability, a wrongful death claim may help address the financial and personal losses that often follow a sudden loss. Recoverable damages can include final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of future financial support, and compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support that the deceased provided to loved ones.

Because insurance companies often dispute liability or attempt to limit payouts, preserving evidence early is important. Police reports, witness statements, photographs, surveillance footage, vehicle data, and accident reconstruction findings can all help establish what happened and support a family's claim. Reviewing and preserving this evidence can help protect a family's interests and provide a clearer understanding of the legal options available moving forward.

A wrongful death lawyer can explain how fatal accident claims may work under state law. At The Arndt Law Firm, our legal team can review available insurance policies, explain filing deadlines, and clarify what types of compensation may be available.

You can speak with us at (843) 310-4645 today to discuss your situation and learn more about available options after a fatal car accident in Orangeburg County.

Note: This post has been prepared using information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the incident have not been independently verified. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact The Arndt Law Firm so we can promptly review and update the content to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Any photographs included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual scene of the accident.