News Summary
Deputy Nathaniel Ansay of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office tragically lost his life in a car accident while on duty. The 24-year-old officer was involved in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 301. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, prompting an outpouring of condolences from the community and law enforcement agencies. Ansay was recognized for his dedication to service and has left a significant impact on those who knew him.
Effingham, S.C. – Deputy Nathaniel “Nate” Ansay, a 24-year-old officer with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, tragically lost his life in a car accident on May 20, 2025. The collision occurred around 4:20 p.m. on U.S. Highway 301, as Ansay was on duty. He was driving north when his patrol vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a southbound SUV.
Both Ansay and the driver of the SUV were rushed to a local hospital for treatment following the crash. Sadly, despite efforts to save him, Ansay succumbed to his injuries. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Deputy Ansay had only recently joined the Florence County Sheriff’s Office on October 30, 2023, and graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy as a Class 1 officer on March 15, 2024. His dedication to law enforcement and his community was evident, and he was well-regarded among his peers and residents alike.
Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye described Ansay as a personable individual who “never met a stranger.” He remembered him for his positive attitude, often expressing that he loved being a deputy. The sheriff emphasized that Ansay would be greatly missed by the entire law enforcement community.
Following the news of Ansay’s death, an outpouring of condolences was expressed from various law enforcement agencies and officials across the region. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and U.S. Representative Russell Fry extended their sympathies to Ansay’s family and colleagues, highlighting the loss felt across the community.
The loss of Deputy Ansay has touched many, prompting mourning and support from law enforcement agencies throughout South Carolina. As of May 21, 2025, funeral arrangements for the fallen deputy had not yet been announced.
In the wake of this tragic event, residents are encouraged to show their support to Ansay’s family and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, which is coping with the loss of a dedicated officer who served his community with pride. The ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol aims to provide clarity regarding the details surrounding the accident.
This unfortunate event serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day while on duty to protect and serve their communities. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office and its personnel continue to seek community support as they navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Loss of Florence County Deputy in Car Accident
Tragic Loss of Deputy in Traffic Accident
Tragic Collision Claims Life of Deputy Ansay in Effingham
Tragic Loss of Deputy in Florence County Traffic Accident
Tragic Death of Florence County Deputy in Accident
Tragic Loss: Florence County Deputy Dies in Vehicle Collision
Florence County Sheriff’s Deputy Dies in Highway Crash
Florence County Deputy Dies After Traffic Collision
Tragic Death of Florence County Deputy in Collision
Florence County Standoff Ends Tragically
Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Florence County Deputy Crash
- WBTW
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Risks
- WPDE
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- WJCL
- Google News: Nathaniel Ansay
- SCNow
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
