Man riding moped killed in hit-and-run crash, say SC cops searching for driver who fled

A Midlands man was killed when the moped he was riding was involved in a crash, and a search is underway for the driver who left the scene, South Carolina officials said.

Wendell Parker, a 55-year-old Sumter resident, died at the scene of the Friday night hit-and-run crash, Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker said.

The two-vehicle collision happened about 9:30 p.m., said Lance Cpl. Brittany Glover of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Parker was driving a moped north on U.S. 15, and near the intersection with Seddon Drive he was hit by an unknown vehicle that was also heading north, according to Glover. The unknown vehicle then drove away, Glover said.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, according to Baker.

There was no word if Parker was wearing a helmet.

No other injuries were reported in the crash, which continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol and coroner’s office.

Anyone with information on the collision is asked to call the Highway Patrol at 803-896-9621 or 800-768-1503, submit a tip to CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip. Tips can also be texted to *HP.

Through July 9, 505 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2023, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,091 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least 16 people have died in Sumter County crashes in 2023, according to DPS data. Last year, 30 deaths were reported in the county, DPS reported.

This story was originally published July 16, 2023 at 9:10 AM.

Noah Feit

The State

803-771-8435

Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription