Tragic Week on Beaufort and Jasper County Roads
It’s been an incredibly tough and heartbreaking week for the communities of Beaufort and Jasper counties. In just three days, three separate traffic accidents claimed the lives of three individuals, sending shockwaves through the area. The incidents not only highlight the dangers of the roadways but also remind us how precious life is.
First Incident: A Night Walk Turns Fatal
The unfortunate chain of events began on Monday night, just after 9 p.m. on U.S. 17, approximately 13 miles from the Beaufort city limits. A Charleston woman named Levon Richardson, 42, was walking along Trask Parkway when she was struck by a 2009 Lexus sedan.
According to reports from the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), the vehicle was traveling north while Richardson was walking in the same direction. The impact was devastating, and Richardson was pronounced dead at the scene just minutes later by Beaufort County Coroner David Ott.
The driver of the Lexus was taken to the hospital for treatment, but the details surrounding their condition are still uncertain. Friends and family are set to come together to celebrate Levon’s life on October 14 at the Vanderhorst Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, an event many are looking forward to as a way to honor her memory.
Second Incident: A Collision Involving Multiple Vehicles
Just a day later, tragedy struck again on Trask Parkway involving a mix of vehicle types. At around 11:02 a.m. on Tuesday, a 1988 Freightliner truck and a 2015 Dodge pickup were heading north when a 2014 Ford pickup, driven by 63-year-old Robert Bowers, was on a southbound course.
The report from Trooper Nick Pye indicates that the collision occurred when Bowers’ Ford pickup collided with the Freightliner, causing a chain reaction that involved the Dodge as well. This incident left Bowers dead at the scene, while others involved were taken to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.
It’s worth noting that Bowers was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident, highlighting the unpredictability of road conditions. As of Friday afternoon, his funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced, drawing concern from friends and family in the community.
Third Incident: A Young Motorcyclist’s Life Cut Short
The spate of tragedy didn’t end there. Wednesday morning brought yet another fatal accident, this time involving a motorcycle. Brian Guerrero-Jacobo, just 20 years old and from Hardeeville, was riding his 2024 Kawasaki motorcycle on Sand Hills Road. He had a heartbreaking encounter with a 2006 Honda Ridgeline and a 2013 Cadillac ATS traveling in the opposite direction.
This collision occurred around 7 a.m. when Guerrero-Jacobo’s motorcycle struck the Cadillac as the driver attempted to overtake the Honda pickup. The swift tragedy escalated when the motorcycle was then hit by the Honda Ridgeline.
Guerrero-Jacobo was pronounced dead at the scene, confirmed by Jasper County Coroner Willie P. Aiken. An autopsy is scheduled for October 12 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and so far, no funeral arrangements for the young man have been made public.
Community Mourning and Investigations
As the community absorbs the impact of these incidents, it’s essential to remember that all three fatal crashes are currently under investigation by the SCHP. Communities tend to come together in times of sorrow, and you can feel the collective heartbreak as people offer support to the grieving families.
These tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety. Whether walking, driving, or riding, let’s take a moment to reflect and prioritize safety in our daily travels. Please drive carefully and look out for one another because every life matters.
