News Summary
A devastating accident in Florence County resulted in the death of a truck driver when a 2020 Freightliner dump truck veered off Hyman Road and collided with a tree. Willie Leverne Lee Jr., the lone occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol is ongoing. Local traffic authorities urge caution in the area as they assess the incident’s cause, while community members are reminded of the importance of road safety, especially concerning heavy vehicles.
Florence County – A tragic incident in Florence County has resulted in the death of a truck driver following a crash involving a dump truck. The accident took place on a Tuesday morning around 9:00 a.m. in the vicinity of Hyman Road, which is approximately three miles west of the Town of Pamplico.
The vehicle involved in the accident was identified as a 2020 Freightliner dump truck. Reports indicate that the truck was traveling east when the driver lost control of the vehicle. Witnesses noted that the truck first swerved to the right before veering to the left and back to the right again. During this sequence of maneuvers, the truck ultimately struck a tree.
The driver of the truck, identified as Willie Leverne Lee Jr., aged 48 and hailing from Coward, was the lone occupant of the vehicle. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene; however, he was pronounced dead upon arrival by Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken. No other vehicles were reported to be involved in the crash, and as a result, no other injuries were recorded.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is currently underway, led by the South Carolina Highway Patrol in collaboration with the Florence County Coroner’s Office. As part of the protocols following such incidents, an autopsy will be conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina to determine the exact cause of death.
In the meantime, local traffic authorities are urging caution in the area as they continue their investigation into the crash. They are appealing to motorists to remain vigilant as they navigate Hyman Road and surrounding routes until a fuller understanding of the incident is established.
This incident adds to the ongoing concerns regarding road safety in regions traversed by heavy vehicles such as dump trucks. The seasonal fluctuations and varying road conditions can often contribute to hazardous driving situations. Local authorities consistently emphasize the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to reduce the likelihood of such incidents from occurring.
As the investigation unfolds, further details may come to light regarding the factors that contributed to the driver losing control of the vehicle. Community members are encouraged to stay informed as updates are provided by the relevant authorities.
Those affected by the incident, including family and friends of the deceased, can expect support from local community services as they navigate this difficult time. The tragic loss of life serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced on the roads, particularly for those operating large commercial vehicles.
Further updates on the investigation will be made available as new information is released. In the interim, the community is advised to be mindful of road safety and any ongoing traffic alterations that may result from the investigation into this unfortunate accident.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- SC Now
- Google Search: Florence County traffic accident
- KEZI
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- WPDE
- Google News: Florence County accidents
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE 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.
