Pedestrian killed in Richland County after crash on I-26, troopers say
A pedestrian was killed early Saturday after being struck on Interstate 26 in Richland County. A Columbia man was arrested and charged in connection with the crash, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, on I-26 eastbound near the 75-mile marker, Master Trooper Brandon Bolt said in a news release. Three units were involved, including a 2002 Lexus sedan, a 2021 Ford van and a pedestrian.
According to Bolt, the Lexus was disabled on the eastbound shoulder while the pedestrian was putting fuel into the vehicle. The Ford, traveling eastbound, then left the roadway and struck the pedestrian and the disabled Lexus.
The pedestrian died at the scene and has not yet been identified by the Richland County Coroner’s Office.
The driver of the Ford left the scene of the crash and was later involved in another collision, Bolt said. The driver was identified as William Gunter, 42, and was arrested and charged with felony leaving the scene of a collision with death, felony DUI, leaving the scene of a collision with property damage, and simple possession of marijuana, according to Bolt.
The Lexus had a passenger who was not injured, troopers said. Gunter was injured and transported to an area hospital following the second crash.
The crash remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Bolt said.
