Brandon James Butler Killed in Elgin Hit-and-Run Accident
Search underway for driver who fled scene near Chestnut Road, police say
Brandon James Butler, 29, of Elgin, died early Thursday morning in a hit-and-run accident near Elgin, Kershaw County, according to Kershaw County Coroner David West. The driver who struck Butler fled the scene.
Dispatch received a 911 call around 1:26 a.m. regarding a man on the side of the road along the 1200 block of Wildwood Lane, near the intersection of Chestnut Road. Butler was pronounced dead at the scene.
The collision happened at about 12:15 a.m. Butler was riding a 2022 Solana moped when he was hit from the rear and spilled into the road.
Investigators with the South Carolina Highway Patrol's MAIT Team and the Kershaw County Coroner's Office are investigating the crash. They seek information about the vehicle and driver involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or submit a tip using the P3Tips app.
Hit-and-run incidents persist as a critical public safety concern.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, stated, "Sadly, there are approximately 6 million hit-and-run crashes in the U.S. each year. In too many of these cases, the at-fault driver can never be found."
South Carolina wrongful death statute
Under S.C. Code § 15-51-10, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. South Carolina applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental shock and suffering.