Kathleen Hodge Obituary, Death – A tragic motorcycle crash on Interstate 77 in Winnsboro has claimed the life of a South Carolina woman. The Fairfield County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the victim was 60-year-old Kathleen Hodge, a resident of Darlington, South Carolina.
The fatal incident occurred on Tuesday near mile marker 46. According to officials, Hodge was operating a motorcycle when she lost control of the vehicle. As a result, her motorcycle collided with an 18-wheeler traveling along the same stretch of highway.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. Unfortunately, Hodge was pronounced dead at the site due to injuries sustained during the collision. Authorities did not report any additional injuries related to the incident.
Fairfield County Coroner Chris Hill officially released Hodge’s identity following standard investigative procedures. The cause of the crash is still under review, and both the Fairfield County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Officials have not yet disclosed any contributing factors, such as road or weather conditions, or whether speed or other vehicles played a role in the crash. There have also been no reports of charges filed in connection with the incident.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities are working to determine what led to Hodge losing control of her motorcycle. The South Carolina Highway Patrol typically examines factors such as mechanical failure, driver error, or roadway hazards in such cases.
This accident adds to a growing list of motorcycle-related fatalities in South Carolina, a state that consistently urges drivers and motorcyclists alike to use caution, especially on high-speed interstates. Motorcycles offer less protection than other vehicles, making riders particularly vulnerable during collisions.
The crash has prompted reminders from traffic safety officials for both motorcyclists and truck drivers to remain alert and maintain safe distances on the road. Interstates, where speeds are high and traffic patterns can change quickly, are especially risky for motorcyclists.
No additional information has been made available about the truck driver involved in the collision. It remains unclear whether the driver of the 18-wheeler was injured or required medical attention.
Authorities have also not released the direction in which either vehicle was traveling or any further details about the moments leading up to the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and officials may release more information as it becomes available.
Members of the community and road safety advocates have expressed condolences to Hodge’s family and friends. As a longtime resident of Darlington, Kathleen Hodge’s death has been felt by those who knew her and serves as a somber reminder of the dangers motorcyclists face.
Anyone with additional information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol or the Fairfield County Coroner’s Office.