Crash kills woman about to become engaged; husband-to-be driving in Easter collision

A young woman who was about to become engaged died Easter morning in a vehicle being driven by her soon-to-be betrothed as the pair headed to church, Richland County’s coroner said Sunday.

The woman, whose identity had not been disclosed, was a passenger in a 2007 Toyota when the wreck occurred at 9:20 along Interstate 77 near the Bluff Road exit, said Coroner Gary Watts and the state Highway Patrol.

Tremaine Germany-Byrd, 25, was driving the car southbound when it went off the left side of the road and struck a guard rail, the patrol reported. The Toyota then went off the right side of the road and struck another guard rail and a bridge.

The young woman was pronounced dead at the scene, the patrol said.

Germany-Byrd was taken Palmetto Health Richland for treatment. His injuries were not life threatening, according to the patrol.

The driver and passenger were wearing seat belts and were driving to church in Orangeburg, officials said.

This story was originally published March 27, 2016 at 4:27 PM.