A resident of Midlands, South Carolina, succumbed to his injuries a few days after a traffic incident involving a Sumter County sheriff's deputy, according to state authorities.
The 62-year-old man, Hercules Sharper from Sumter, passed away at the Prisma Health Richland hospital, as confirmed by Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker on Tuesday.
The tragic incident occurred on U.S. 15/Lafayette Street, near downtown Sumter, just about 1.5 miles from Prisma Health Tuomey hospital. Sharper's death happened on Monday, five days after the accident, as reported by Lance Cpl. William Bennett from the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Two other individuals were also injured during the collision, which included the sheriff's deputy. They were also transported to the Richland County hospital, but their conditions remain unknown.
Officials detailed that around 5 p.m. on June 21, the deputy, driving a 2018 Ford SUV, deviated from the road on Lafayette Street, heading south. This led to a collision with a parked 2016 Kia sedan on private land and a utility pole.
Sharper, along with another individual, were standing near the parked vehicle at the time of the crash, Bennett reported. The impact caused both the Kia and the pole to hit Sharper, while the other person was struck by the car.
A post-mortem examination is slated for Thursday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, Baker disclosed.
Details surrounding the circumstances that caused the deputy to leave the road are not currently available. Both Baker's office and the Highway Patrol are carrying out further investigations into the incident. There's also no information regarding whether the deputy was wearing a seat belt or the speed of the SUV at the time of the accident.
Details concerning any potential criminal charges or disciplinary action against the deputy are currently not available.
On Wednesday, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office refrained from providing further comments on the incident due to the ongoing investigation. However, they expressed their sympathy for all those affected.
Around the time of the accident, the sheriff’s office was reportedly involved in a manhunt nearby. They were looking for an individual who had managed to escape custody while handcuffed and was on the run from deputies securing a crime scene.
By 7:45 p.m., the escapee had been apprehended and was transferred to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, according to Bordeaux.
As of Sunday, there have been 471 fatalities on South Carolina roads in 2023, as per the data from the state Department of Public Safety. The previous year saw 1,091 fatalities from traffic incidents. In Sumter County alone, at least 15 fatalities have been reported in 2023, compared to 30 reported in the previous year, according to the same source.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Case in South Carolina
In the unfortunate event of a death caused by negligence or deliberate wrongdoing, South Carolina wrongful death cases can provide a pathway for bereaved families to seek justice.
South Carolina wrongful death cases are legal actions that hold the responsible party accountable for the death of a loved one. They can involve a variety of situations, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, or any instance where the negligence or intentional act of another party has resulted in death.
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In conclusion, South Carolina wrongful death cases are important legal tools for survivors to receive compensation and hold the responsible party accountable. If you find yourself in such a situation, getting professional legal help can make a significant difference in your pursuit of justice.
Remember, every case is unique, and the process of pursuing South Carolina wrongful death cases can vary based on the specifics of the case. But with proper guidance, survivors can navigate these cases effectively and obtain the justice they deserve.
Contact a South Carolina Wrongful Death Attorney
If a negligent or reckless person took your loved one from you in South Carolina, you may have a viable wrongful death claim. Contact a South Carolina wrongful death attorney at Spetsas Buist to have a free conversation with our South Carolina wrongful death attorney, Charles Buist.
Mr. Buist has longstanding ties to South Carolina and comes from a long line of Charleston, South Carolina attorneys. Like those that came before him, Mr. Buist has dedicated his life to helping his clients. Don’t hesitate to call us at 843-638-6590 to schedule your free legal consultation with Mr. Buist.
If you need a Florida wrongful death lawyer, you can call our Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm today at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your free consultation by phone. When you schedule a consultation at our law firm, you will get a consultation with a wrongful death lawyer, not a customer service representative or intake person.
We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured in the Southeast, we may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
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