USC coach Travian Robertson shares image from August wreck
South Carolina defensive line coach Travian Robertson has been absent from the sidelines since being involved in a car crash in August.
Robertson was taken to the trauma ICU at Prisma Health Richland hospital following the early-morning Aug. 22 wreck, where he stayed for 10 days until Sept. 5. He “sustained severe and life-changing injuries so far requiring a total of five surgeries,” a statement from his attorney said.
Additional details of his exact injuries have not been shared publicly.
On Monday, Robertson shared pictures of the aftermath of his accident on X/Twitter. The images showed him in the hospital alongside his family as well as a picture of his wrecked vehicle. The crash happened on U.S. 76/Dutch Fork Road in Richland County.
“A little over five weeks ago, my entire world shifted for me and for my family,” Robertson’s caption said Monday’s social media post. “It’s hard to put into words how much has changed, but one thing I know for sure: I’m grateful beyond measure to still be here. To be breathing, healing, and able to share my story. Thank you God!”
Defensive line assistant Jordan Dove has been coaching the defensive line in Robertson’s absence. Robertson has gradually been able to find more ways to be involved with the team, head coach Shane Beamer said.
“He’s been at practice the last two Wednesdays,” Beamer said. “...He’s been at practice with headphones on, sitting up on the balcony overlooking the practice fields from the assistant coaches offices. So he’s been out there the last two Wednesdays. We’re texting with him and talking with him regularly. He continues to get better and is still involved.
“I know he’s looking forward to being back here with us full speed as soon as possible.”
Robertson and his wife Kettiany filed a lawsuit against the estate of the woman — Kelly Marie Johnson, a 35-year-old Columbia resident who died at the scene — who the Highway Patrol said initiated the head-on collision. The lawsuit, filed Aug. 28, seeks “actual and punitive damages” for “physical injury, pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, loss of consortium, property damage, and other matters” in an amount to be determined by a jury.
