SC motorcyclist is dead after being hit by a Ford F-150. Truck driver faces DUI charge

A motorcyclist is dead after being struck by a truck on a Sumter County highway, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The driver is facing a felony DUI charge.

Around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, a 2013 Ford F-150 and a 2004 Nissan Titan pickup truck were driving south on Highway 441 near Sumter, while a motorcyclist riding a 2023 Honda was stopped in the median, Master Trooper Gary Miller said.

The driver of the Ford was attempting to pass the Nissan before striking the motorcyclist and the other truck.

The motorcyclist died at the scene. The Sumter County Coroner’s Office has identified him as Mckae Kristopher Carnes-Thomson, 25, of Eastover. The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston will perform an autopsy later this week.

The driver of the Ford, who was the sole occupant, suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital.

The driver of the Nissan was uninjured.

According to the SC Highway Patrol, the Ford driver has been charged with a felony DUI resulting in death.

The SC Highway Patrol and the Sumter County Coroner are continuing to investigate the incident.

In 2024, there have been at least 210 traffic fatalities, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

This story was originally published April 6, 2024 at 10:20 AM.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.