Man Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash on I-85 in Gaffney, SC, Identified

Gaffney, SC (June 29, 2026) – A Hendersonville man killed in a three-vehicle crash on southbound I-85 near mile marker 96 has been identified as Charles Scott Glatzer. The crash occurred on Friday, June 26.

Glatzer was driving a 2009 Porsche when his vehicle was sideswiped by a tractor-trailer rig and then T-boned by another vehicle. He was trapped in his car for a short time before being freed by rescue personnel and airlifted to Spartanburg Medical Center, where he died early Sunday morning.

The Cherokee County Coroner's Office confirmed his identity. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

We extend our deepest condolences to Charles Glatzer's family and all those who loved him.

What Legal Options Does a Family Have After a Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving a Tractor-Trailer in South Carolina?

When a fatal crash involves a tractor-trailer alongside multiple vehicles, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under South Carolina law, and the involvement of a commercial vehicle in the initial impact significantly affects the scope of potential liability beyond a standard multi-vehicle collision.

When it comes to establishing the sequence of events, including which vehicle struck first and how each subsequent impact occurred, it will be central to determining how fault is distributed among the parties involved.

In this case, because a tractor-trailer was involved in the initial contact, liability may extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, particularly if the driver violated federal regulations governing safe lane changes, following distances, or hours of service at the time of the crash.

Evidence such as the truck's data recorder, which can capture speed and lane position information, along with driver logbooks and maintenance records, will likely be critical to understanding how the initial sideswipe occurred and whether the truck driver's actions set off the subsequent chain of collisions.

In a South Carolina wrongful death lawsuit, surviving family members may be able to recover monetary damages for burial and funeral expenses, the loss of the deceased's future earning potential and income, and the ongoing loss of support and companionship.

In order to protect important evidence, look into the conduct of all drivers, and make sure that any settlement reached fully and permanently addresses the family's loss, a wrongful death lawyer might be able to send a formal legal hold notice to the trucking company.

At The Arndt Law Firm, our legal team can assist families during a difficult time.

You can speak with us at (843) 594-1861 today to discuss your situation and learn more about available options. 

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.