A Greenwood County man has died several days after suffering traumatic injuries in a serious motor vehicle collision in the Upstate. Authorities confirmed the death followed a crash involving multiple vehicles, with the investigation now involving the Office of the Coroner and law enforcement agencies a situation car accident lawyers often review when families seek answers after fatal multi-vehicle crashes.
The wreck remains under active review as officials work to complete the medicolegal death investigation.
Details of the Motor Vehicle Collision
According to the Office of the Coroner, the crash occurred on December 19 along Greenwood Avenue South in Greenwood County.
John James Clemmer, 90, of Ware Shoals, was driving an SUV when it collided with another vehicle. The SUV then rolled and struck a second vehicle, resulting in severe traumatic injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.
Emergency Responders, including Emergency Medical Services and Fire Department personnel, arrived on scene and provided aid before transporting Clemmer for advanced medical care.
Medical Treatment and Death Determination
Clemmer was transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital, part of the Prisma Health system, where he was treated for traumatic injuries sustained during the collision.
Despite treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. The Chief Deputy Coroner confirmed the manner of death was accidental and related to injuries from the motor vehicle collision.
An official death certificate will be issued following completion of the forensic review by the Medical Examiner and forensic pathologist.
Role of the Office of the Coroner and Law Enforcement
The Greenwood County Office of the Coroner is working alongside Ware Shoals police and the South Carolina Highway Patrol as part of the ongoing death investigations.
As with other accidental death investigations, officials are reviewing scene investigation findings, crash dynamics, medical records, and law enforcement reports to determine contributing factors.
No additional details regarding speed, roadway conditions, or vehicle defects have been released at this time.
Understanding Blunt Force Injuries in Vehicle Crashes
Blunt force injuries are common in rollover and multi impact crashes. These injuries occur when the body experiences sudden deceleration or impact with interior vehicle structures.
In older adults, traumatic injuries from a single vehicle motor vehicle accident or multi vehicle collision may lead to complications even after hospitalization.
Community Impact and Next of Kin Notification
Authorities confirmed that next of kin were notified following the death. Fatal crashes often leave families facing difficult decisions related to healthcare power of attorney, life insurance policies, and other post death matters.
These incidents also place demands on Emergency Medical Services, hospital systems, and public safety agencies responding to serious roadway emergencies.
Investigation Continues
The investigation remains open as officials finalize reports through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Highway Patrol channels.
Additional findings may be released once the full crash reconstruction and medical review are complete.
