‘Please slow down and move over.’ Wife of fallen SC trooper appeals to public
The wife of a fallen South Carolina state trooper recounted the life of her husband and urged the public to adhere to the state’s slow down and move over law.
Jade Riley Ricks, the wife of Dennis D. Ricks, a S.C. state trooper who was critically injured and later died in the line of duty, tearfully shared with reporters Friday how much she misses her husband. She stood alongside attorneys Robert Goings and Christian Boesl of the Goings Law Firm in Columbia, who say they are contemplating a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Jade Ricks.
“Today, we’re reminded that behind every uniform is a family,” Goings said. “The death of Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks was absolutely preventable. He did everything right (on the night he died) and did not deserve to be killed.”
Ricks was critically injured Sunday, Aug. 10, and had to be airlifted to a hospital after he was hit by a passing Home Depot box truck while conducting a traffic stop in Orangeburg County, The State previously reported.
The trooper had pulled over a vehicle at about 2 a.m. on the eastbound side of Interstate 26 near mile marker 165, according to the Highway Patrol.
He died on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Jade Ricks said her husband was devoted to spending time with his family, and loved the simple things, such as “playing video games, going to the movies, and trying new foods.”
“As we honor Dennis, I just ask that everyone please slow down and move over for emergency vehicles,” Jade Ricks said. “My husband would still be here if everyone could do that.”
Ricks began serving in Troop 7, patrolling Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties, after graduating from South Carolina Highway Patrol Class 123 in September 2023, according to a news release.
Alleged box truck driver Anthony Aydlette was arrested after the crash, WIS reported. The 45-year-old Hanahan resident was charged with driving under suspension (first offense) Sunday and posted a $647.50 bond the next day, Orangeburg County court records show. Aydlette is scheduled to return to court on the charge on Aug. 21, according to court records.
Goings said his firm is still trying to “gather the particulars” as to why Aydlette had been let out on bond.
In both 1998 and 1999, Aydlette was found guilty on separate charges of careless operation, Berkeley County court records show.
The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office is leading an investigation into the crash, and it asked Lexington County Sheriff’s Department to assist, the Highway Patrol previously said.
Boesl and Goings said that in addition to a civil action, the firm is also working with law enforcement to pursue criminal prosecution.
“Dennis was my best friend,” Jade Ricks said. “Marrying him was the best decision I have ever made in my lifetime. We were truly meant to be, and my heart will always belong to him.”
“Dennis was a devoted husband, son, and friend, and he wore the uniform because he believed deeply in serving others,” the family shared in a news release. “We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and condolences during this time of grief.”
Memorial services for Ricks have not yet been announced.
This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 5:29 PM.
