Walterboro, SC — The tranquility of US-17 Alternate near Clubhouse Road was shattered late Saturday night when Ryan M. Koontz, a 41-year-old Walterboro man, was involved in a fatal head-on collision that claimed his life instantly. The crash occurred around 10:40 p.m., leaving Koontz’s SUV severely crushed. First responders arrived quickly, and by 11:50 p.m., they confirmed his death at the scene.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a pickup truck crossed the center line for reasons still under investigation, colliding directly with Koontz’s vehicle. Authorities have yet to identify the driver of the pickup or release information regarding any injuries sustained in the crash. The sudden and violent loss of Koontz has left his family, friends, and the local community in shock.
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Investigators are meticulously analyzing the crash scene, examining skid marks, debris patterns, and the vehicles’ positions after impact. Eyewitness accounts are being gathered, and law enforcement is reviewing nearby surveillance and dash-cam footage for any clues about the moments leading up to the crash. Several factors, including distraction, impairment, or mechanical failure, are being considered as possible causes for the pickup truck’s sudden lane deviation.
Koontz, a lifelong Walterboro resident, was remembered as a devoted father, a friendly neighbor, and a positive presence in the community. His unexpected death has deeply impacted local residents, underscoring the dangers of rural highway driving, particularly on roads with limited lighting and fast-moving traffic. Local leaders and residents have expressed their condolences, urging drivers to remain cautious and vigilant on highways to prevent similar tragedies.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol has called on anyone who may have witnessed the crash or captured footage in the area to come forward to assist in the investigation. Authorities are working to piece together every detail to determine the exact cause of the collision.
As the community grapples with the loss, memorials and vigils are being organized to honor Koontz’s memory and celebrate the mark he left on Walterboro. The destroyed remains of his SUV stand as a tragic reminder of the unpredictable nature of highway accidents.