Craig V. French Obituary, Death – Authorities in Dorchester County, South Carolina, have identified a man who died in a two-vehicle collision on US 17 Friday morning. The Dorchester County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the deceased was 53-year-old Craig V. French of Summerville.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), the crash occurred when a Ram pickup truck attempted to pass a Chevrolet sedan that was turning left into a private driveway along US-17 Alternate near Clubhouse Road. French, who was driving the sedan, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ram pickup truck was reported to be unharmed.
Authorities noted that there was one passenger in French’s vehicle, who sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The passenger’s condition was not immediately detailed, but law enforcement indicated they received prompt medical attention following the collision.
The incident remains under active investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Dorchester County Coroner’s Office. Officials are working to determine the specific circumstances that led to the crash, including vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and any other contributing factors. Investigators are also reviewing witness statements and any available surveillance footage to piece together a clearer picture of the events.
Preliminary reports suggest that the collision occurred during a maneuver involving the pickup truck attempting to pass while the sedan was turning, but authorities have not yet released conclusions regarding fault. Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and no further details about possible contributing factors, such as speed or environmental conditions, have been confirmed.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene quickly to provide assistance and secure the area. Their efforts included ensuring the injured passenger received medical care and that the vehicles and surrounding area were safely managed to prevent additional incidents.
Community members have expressed condolences following the news of French’s death, noting the tragic loss of a local resident. Authorities extended their sympathies to French’s family and the injured passenger, acknowledging the difficult impact such an accident has on loved ones and the community.
Officials from both the Highway Patrol and Coroner’s Office have reminded motorists of the importance of safe driving, especially when performing passing maneuvers or making turns onto private property. They emphasized that attentiveness and caution on roadways are essential to preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all drivers and passengers.
While the driver of the pickup truck was unharmed, authorities noted that the investigation will carefully consider all aspects of vehicle interaction and roadway conditions at the time of the crash. The aim is to provide a thorough and accurate account of the incident for both legal and safety purposes.
As the investigation continues, the Dorchester County Coroner’s Office will complete necessary procedures, including autopsy and toxicology reports, to help determine the exact cause of death. Law enforcement officials also plan to review traffic patterns and other relevant information to identify lessons that could help prevent similar accidents in the future.
The collision serves as a reminder of the potential dangers present on busy roadways, particularly when multiple vehicles are operating in close proximity during turns or passing maneuvers. Authorities encourage all drivers to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and exercise extra caution during complex driving situations.
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding the crash to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Community cooperation can be critical in ensuring a complete understanding of the events leading to serious accidents and supporting efforts to improve roadway safety.
The tragic loss of Craig V. French underscores the importance of careful driving and road awareness. Authorities continue to work on the investigation to provide clarity for French’s family, the injured passenger, and the broader community, while emphasizing the importance of safety measures on the roads.
