Elderly Man Killed in Pedestrian Crash on Schurlknight Rd in St. Stephen, SC

St. Stephen, SC (August 7, 2026) – An 85-year-old man was killed after a pickup truck struck him while he was crossing Schurlknight Road near Backwood Road.

The crash happened on Thursday morning, August 6, shortly after 11 a.m. The South Carolina Highway Patrol said a 1996 Ford pickup truck was traveling west on Schurlknight Road when it struck the pedestrian, identified as Franklin B. Crawford Jr.

Crawford died at the crash site from his injuries. The driver of the pickup truck was not hurt.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. 

Our condolences go out to Crawford's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in St. Stephen, SC?

South Carolina law allows a wrongful death action when a person's death results from a wrongful act, neglect, or default that would have allowed the deceased person to bring a personal injury claim had they survived. 

The action is generally brought by the executor or administrator of the deceased person's estate for the benefit of the surviving spouse and children. If there is no surviving spouse or child, the statute provides for other specified beneficiaries.

The structure of a wrongful death claim can be especially important for families after an unexpected loss. Rather than requiring each surviving relative to file a separate lawsuit, South Carolina law provides a specific process for pursuing the claim on behalf of the beneficiaries. Any recovery is distributed according to the statutory order of beneficiaries, while the estate's representative handles the legal action.

A family may also need to establish the financial losses associated with the person's death. Depending on the circumstances, damages can include medical expenses related to the final injury, funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the value of services or other contributions the deceased person would have provided. 

Records that document these losses can help establish the economic consequences of the death. A wrongful death lawyer can review the available evidence and help families understand who is legally entitled to pursue a wrongful-death action and what losses may be included.  

At The Arndt Law Firm, we know that families usually face a lot of uncertainty after a fatal crash. Our team is available to help families throughout South Carolina walk through the process. We can take a look at the circumstances of your case and explain how South Carolina's wrongful death process may apply for your family. 

If you would like information about your legal options, contact The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 310-4645. Our team can explain your potential next steps.

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.