Beachgoer Run Over by Horry County Beach Patrol Truck Sparks Questions and Investigation

A tragic incident occurred on Thursday at the Nash Street Beach access outside Myrtle Beach, resulting in the death of a beachgoer. Sandra “Sandy” Schultz-Peters, 66, tragically passed away after being struck by a Horry County beach patrol officer's vehicle. Witnesses reported that the victim was sitting on the beach reading before being hit.

Question of Responsibility

The community and Horry County Police are left questioning the circumstances surrounding the accident. One of the key concerns is whether the beachgoer was situated in an area designated for beach patrol vehicles only. Reports suggest that the woman was sitting some distance from the designated lane for beach patrol vehicles, marked with orange cones.

Official Statements and Investigations

Following the incident, Horry County Police released a statement, indicating that South Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation into the accident. Additionally, Horry County Police will be conducting an internal investigation to shed light on the circumstances that led to this tragedy.

Public Safety Ordinance

According to an Horry County ordinance, public safety officials have the authority to create zones that restrict beachfront activities in areas that may pose a danger to individuals. The ordinance stipulates that these zones must be properly marked with flags, buoys, or signs. The beach patrol vehicle lanes at the Nash Street beach access and near Springmaid Pier are marked with orange cones, in line with the ordinance guidelines.

Community Impact

The community has been deeply affected by this unfortunate event, prompting heartfelt condolences from Horry County Police. They acknowledged the pain that the community is experiencing and assured that they share the same questions and concerns.

In response to the investigation, officers from South Carolina Highway Patrol were seen at the scene flying a drone to capture images of the beach. This aligns with efforts to gather comprehensive evidence to understand the accident better.

Reflection and Mourning

The tragedy has left the community in mourning, with many expressing disbelief and emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Both the internal and external investigations are critical steps toward providing answers and ensuring the safety of beachgoers in the future.