Columbia, South Carolina, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks, aged 30, passed away following injuries sustained in a traffic stop incident. His dedication to law enforcement and community leaves a lasting legacy. Loved by family and colleagues, Ricks will be remembered for his integrity and kindness. Visitation and funeral services are scheduled for later this month, with donations requested for the family during this difficult time.
Columbia, South Carolina – Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks, aged 30, tragically passed away on August 13, 2025, four days after being struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop. His untimely death has left an impact not only on his family but also on the community and colleagues who admired him deeply.
Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Dennis Ricks was devoted to his family, including his wife, Jade Michelle Riley Ricks, whom he married three years ago, and they shared a total of seven years together. He is also survived by his mother, Dr. Traesa Brown, and his grandparents, Bonnie David and Barbara Brown. Additionally, he leaves behind a large extended family, including former U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown, many aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as his parents-in-law, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and a niece named Noelani “Noel” Brayboy.
Prior to becoming a Trooper, Ricks graduated from West Florence High School and enrolled at Florence-Darlington Technical College and the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a South Carolina State Trooper in 2023, a role he revered as a calling rather than just a job. His commitment to integrity and compassion was reflected in his service to the community.
Known as a gentle giant among his peers, Trooper Ricks was highly admired for his kindness, humility, and patience. He lived a life guided by deep faith and an unwavering dedication to family and community. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Ricks enjoyed leisure activities such as going to the movies, playing video games, and spending time with loved ones.
The Trooper’s visitation service will take place on August 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, located at 3926 Devine Street in Columbia, SC. Following this, a funeral service is scheduled for August 20 at 11 a.m. at Shandon Baptist Church, situated at 5250 Forest Drive in Columbia, SC.
In lieu of flowers, the Ricks family has requested that donations be made through an online fundraiser set up by Serve and Connect. All funds raised will go directly to support the family during this difficult time. The fundraiser can be accessed through the provided link on the Serve and Connect website.
Trooper Dennis Ricks will be remembered as a dedicated guardian of South Carolina’s highways, embodying the values of honor and integrity throughout his life and service.
Funeral Arrangements
- Visitation: August 19, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Dunbar Funeral Home, Columbia, SC
- Funeral Service: August 20, 11 a.m., Shandon Baptist Church, Columbia, SC
- Donation Information: Fundraiser link at Serve and Connect (100% of funds to the Ricks family)
About Dennis Ricks
- Age: 30 years
- Career: South Carolina State Trooper since 2023
- Education: Graduate of West Florence High School; attended Florence-Darlington Technical College and the University of South Carolina
- Survived by: Wife, mother, grandparents, extended family
FAQ Section
What happened to Trooper Dennis R. Ricks?
Trooper Ricks passed away after being struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop.
When did Dennis Ricks die?
He died on August 13, 2025, four days after the traffic incident.
Where are the funeral services being held?
The visitation is at Dunbar Funeral Home and the funeral service will take place at Shandon Baptist Church, both in Columbia, SC.
How can I support the Ricks family?
The family has requested donations through an online fundraiser organized by Serve and Connect, with all funds going directly to them.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trooper’s Name | Dennis D. Ricks |
| Age | 30 |
| Date of Passing | August 13, 2025 |
| Career | South Carolina State Trooper |
| Funeral Visitation | August 19, 2025, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Funeral Service | August 20, 2025, 11 a.m. |
| Donation Information | Fundraiser by Serve and Connect |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Initiates Major I-95 Expansion Project
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Funeral Services for Fallen Trooper Dennis Ricks
- Dignity Memorial: Obituary for Dennis Ricks
- WIS TV: Family Mourns Loss of SC State Trooper Dennis Ricks
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Google Search: Trooper Dennis Ricks
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.
