A devastating accident on Sunday evening claimed the life of 22-year-old Kennedy Freeman, a resident of Gaston, South Carolina. The incident occurred around 7:18 p.m. on Columbia Highway near Bogeyville Road in Ridge Spring, Aiken County. Freeman was fatally struck by a vehicle while walking along the highway.
Authorities report that Freeman was walking southbound on the northbound lanes of the highway when she was hit by an oncoming car. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported Freeman to Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at 8:16 p.m.
The Aiken County Coroner, Darryl M. Ables, confirmed Freeman’s identity and is working with investigators to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic incident. It remains unclear why Freeman was walking on the highway, and law enforcement is piecing together the sequence of events to understand what happened.
The driver involved in the collision has not been identified publicly, and authorities have not announced whether charges may be filed. Investigators are reviewing factors such as road conditions, visibility, and any other elements that may have contributed to the accident.
The untimely death of Kennedy Freeman has left her family and the community in mourning. Friends and loved ones remember her as a young woman with a bright future. The tragedy has also sparked concerns about pedestrian safety on highways, particularly in rural areas where visibility is often limited.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has additional information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers pedestrians face when navigating high-speed roadways, especially after dark.