Richland Co., SC — Pedestrian Struck and Killed in Felony DUI Hit-and-Run on I-20

Richland County, SC (May 10, 2026) — On Saturday, May 9, a tragic series of events on Interstate 20 has left one person dead and a Columbia man facing multiple felony charges. The South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the fatal collision at approximately 2:30 a.m. near the 75-mile marker on I-20 eastbound.

Investigators report that a 2002 Lexus sedan had become disabled on the eastbound shoulder. A pedestrian was putting fuel into the Lexus when a 2021 Ford van traveling eastbound veered off the roadway, striking both the pedestrian and the disabled vehicle. The driver of the Ford fled the scene of the impact and was subsequently involved in a second collision elsewhere.

The driver was identified by authorities as William Gunter, 42. Gunter, who sustained injuries in the second crash, was arrested and charged with felony DUI, felony leaving the scene of a collision involving death, simple possession of marijuana, and leaving the scene of a collision involving property damage.

The Richland County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the identity of the deceased pedestrian as the South Carolina Highway Patrol continues its investigation.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of the individual who died in this incident. 

Legal Rights and Protections for Families After a Fatal Felony DUI Crash in South Carolina

In South Carolina, when a collision involves criminal acts such as felony DUI and hit-and-run, the surviving family members are granted specific rights under the state’s wrongful death and survival action statutes.

To protect these rights, you must secure the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s MAIT (Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team) report, preserve all evidence related to the driver’s impairment and the secondary crash, and consult a professional to ensure that the criminal prosecution does not hinder your ability to seek civil justice.

Under South Carolina law, the administrator of the deceased’s estate has the right to file a Wrongful Death claim to recover for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional grief.

Additionally, a Survival Action may be pursued to recover for the conscious pain and suffering the victim may have endured at the moment of impact. 

If a driver has been charged with felony DUI and leaving the scene, the civil case against them may involve punitive damages. These are additional awards intended to punish the defendant for willful, wanton, or reckless conduct. You have the right to access the state's evidence, including toxicology results and crash reconstruction data, to support these claims. 

In cases involving high-stakes felony charges, the driver’s insurance limits may be insufficient to cover the immense loss of a life. You have the right to check your own or the victim's auto policy for Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, which can provide a critical second layer of financial protection. Furthermore, you may be eligible for assistance through the South Carolina Victim Assistance program.

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) 469-8777 today to discuss your situation and learn more about available options after a fatal car accident in Richland 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.