Zonya Jensen Obituary, Death – Authorities in Marlboro County have released the identity of the woman who was killed in a motorcycle accident earlier this week. Coroner De’Aron Smith confirmed that the victim was Zonya Jensen, a resident of Pennsylvania. She was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash, which took place on Monday morning.
The fatal collision occurred around 11:25 a.m. on Highway 15, just south of the town of McColl in Marlboro County, South Carolina. According to officials from the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), Jensen had been riding a 2020 Harley-Davidson motorcycle at the time of the incident. She was traveling southbound on the highway when the crash occurred.
Cpl. David Jones of the SCHP provided preliminary details of the incident. Both Jensen and a 2020 Kenworth tractor-trailer were traveling in the same direction—southbound—along Highway 15. At some point during the ride, Jensen attempted to pass the tractor-trailer. During the maneuver, she lost control of her motorcycle and collided with the side of the large commercial vehicle.
The impact of the collision was severe. Emergency crews responded quickly to the crash site, but despite their efforts, Jensen was declared dead at the scene by the coroner. Her death marks another tragic loss on South Carolina’s roads, particularly in the Pee Dee region, which has seen several serious traffic accidents in recent months.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, whose name has not been released, was also injured in the collision. Both the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Marlboro County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the truck driver sustained injuries in the crash, though the extent of those injuries has not been publicly disclosed. It is believed that the injuries were not life-threatening.
Investigators continue to look into the cause of the accident. Although initial reports suggest that Jensen lost control while attempting to pass the truck, authorities have not yet determined whether other factors—such as speed, road conditions, or mechanical failure—may have played a role. The SCHP is conducting a thorough investigation, and no further information about contributing factors has been released at this time.
The crash has prompted renewed attention to motorcycle safety in the area. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on highways due to the lack of physical protection compared to other vehicles. Passing large trucks presents additional hazards, as visibility may be reduced and wind turbulence can make handling more difficult. In this case, those dangers appear to have contributed to a fatal outcome.
Jensen’s death is being felt deeply by her family and friends, many of whom are still coming to terms with the sudden loss. Although she was from Pennsylvania, her journey brought her to South Carolina where the tragic accident occurred. Loved ones have described her as a passionate individual who enjoyed riding motorcycles and living life to the fullest.
News of the crash has also resonated with members of the motorcycling community. Riders often emphasize the importance of proper safety gear, situational awareness, and defensive driving techniques. Motorcycle advocacy groups frequently urge drivers of all vehicles to be cautious and mindful when sharing the road, especially with motorcyclists who are harder to see and less protected in the event of a crash.
Highway 15, the stretch of road where the collision occurred, is a well-used route through Marlboro County. It connects several small towns and rural communities and sees a mix of commercial and personal vehicle traffic. Some local residents have expressed concerns about the safety of the highway, particularly in areas where lanes narrow or shoulders are limited. The South Carolina Department of Transportation regularly reviews crash data to determine whether road improvements are needed, and accidents like this one often spark discussion about potential upgrades or additional signage.
In the meantime, the investigation into Monday’s crash continues. Officials will be reviewing any available video footage, analyzing the vehicles involved, and speaking with witnesses or anyone who may have seen the incident unfold. Such investigations can take weeks to complete, especially when fatalities are involved, as authorities work to determine all relevant details.
As the Marlboro County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol move forward with their work, they are encouraging anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward. Witness accounts can be critical in reconstructing the sequence of events and ensuring a full understanding of what occurred.
For now, the family of Zonya Jensen is left mourning her loss and awaiting further answers. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with motorcycling and the importance of exercising extreme caution on busy highways. While the investigation is ongoing, the memory of Jensen lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her passing adds yet another name to the growing list of lives lost on South Carolina’s roads this year.