Steven Franklin Mathis Obituary, Death – A tragic accident in South Carolina on Thursday evening claimed the life of a man who was killed by his own truck after failing to put it in park. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. at a residence on Blumefield Road in Anderson County.
According to the Anderson County Coroner’s Office, the victim was identified as 79-year-old Steven Franklin Mathis. Authorities reported that Mathis had just arrived home when the fatal accident happened. After parking his vehicle in his driveway, Mathis exited the truck but apparently forgot to shift the gear into the park position.
As a result, the truck began to roll. In an attempt to prevent it from moving further, Mathis tried to stop the vehicle. Tragically, during this effort, the truck rolled into a tree, pinning Mathis between the vehicle and the tree. The force of the impact was fatal, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders arrived, but there was nothing they could do to save him. The coroner’s report confirmed that the cause of death was related to injuries sustained from being pinned by the vehicle.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the incident, and it remains under review. No foul play is suspected, and the death has been ruled accidental.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how critical it is to ensure that vehicles are properly secured when parked. Forgetting to put a car or truck into park can quickly lead to a dangerous situation, particularly if the vehicle is on an incline or uneven surface.
The local community is mourning the sudden loss of Steven Mathis, who was known to many in the area. Friends and neighbors have expressed their condolences and shared their shock at the unfortunate nature of the accident.
Officials have not announced any memorial plans at this time, and the family has requested privacy as they grieve. As the investigation concludes, safety advocates are urging drivers, especially elderly individuals, to double-check vehicle settings before exiting to prevent similar accidents.
Though this type of incident is rare, it’s not unheard of. Experts recommend not only putting a vehicle in park but also engaging the parking brake as a backup safety measure. Taking a few seconds to ensure these steps can potentially save lives.
Steven Mathis’s untimely death underscores the importance of vehicle safety awareness in daily routines. The Anderson County community is left saddened by the tragic loss of a man whose life was cut short in a preventable accident.