Fatal incident as police vehicle strikes woman on South Carolina beach

On Thursday, a tragic incident occurred on a beach in South Carolina, resulting in the loss of a woman's life. The Horry County police officer, who remains unnamed, was involved in a fatal collision with the woman, prompting an investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The unfortunate event took place at approximately 1 p.m. on Nash Street in the Myrtle Beach area. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was struck by the officer who was driving a 2020 Ford Ranger Pickup truck from the north. Subsequently, she was promptly transported to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries.

Investigation and Response

The Horry County Police Department expressed deep sorrow over the incident and acknowledged the pain it has caused within the community. An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing, with the South Carolina Highway Patrol taking the lead in the investigation.

Eyewitness Account

Denis Miller, a witness present at the scene, recounted the harrowing aftermath of the collision. He described hearing someone shouting about a person being run over, and upon rushing to the scene, discovered the woman lying on the ground with a truck on top of her.

Similar Incidents

This unfortunate incident echoes a similar event in 2020 when a woman was struck by a Horry County police patrol car while on the beach in Garden City, as reported by WBTW. Additionally, a Florida police sergeant was involved in a comparable mishap in late May, where he hit two beachgoers with his patrol vehicle.

According to the Florida-based personal injury law firm McQuaid & Douglas, there have been at least 20 reported cases of beach patrol cars running over sunbathers in recent years, shedding light on the concerning frequency of such occurrences.