A devastating fatal hit-and-run collision in Richland County, South Carolina, has left the community in mourning after 11-year-old Travis Kelley of Gadsden was struck and killed on Bluff Road near Blackberry Road. The South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed the crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. The suspect, 55-year-old James Hargrave, fled the scene before later being arrested and charged. Families impacted by such tragedies often turn to a car accident lawyer to understand their rights and pursue justice.
Details of the Hit-and-Run Crash
According to Master Trooper William Bennett with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash happened near the intersection of Blackberry Road. Hargrave allegedly failed to render aid or provide assistance, resulting in charges for failure to give information and leaving the scene of an accident with death.
Troopers quickly located both Hargrave and his vehicle, and he was booked into the Richland County jail, awaiting a bond hearing. The case is being closely followed by both the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Columbia Police Department traffic safety unit, which continues to investigate pedestrian safety on dangerous stretches of road.
Community Reaction
Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford described the tragedy as a heartbreak that impacts the entire community:
“The death of a child is not just a family’s tragedy, it is a heartbreak that ripples through our entire community.”
Travis was a sixth-grade student enrolled in the Montessori program at W.G. Sanders Middle School. The Richland County School District One spokesperson, Karen York, confirmed that a Crisis Team was activated to provide support for students and staff.
The Columbia police and school officials emphasized the need for grief counseling as classmates and teachers process the loss.
Medical and Emergency Response
The child was transported for treatment, with reports linking Prisma Health facilities to emergency response efforts in the aftermath of the crash. Unfortunately, the injuries were fatal.
This incident underscores the importance of immediate medical care in accident cases and the crucial role of local resources like Prisma Health, which often respond to accident-related emergencies across Richland County, Orangeburg County, and beyond.
The Legal Side of Leaving the Scene
Under South Carolina law, leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death is a felony. The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy trains officers on the dangers of hit-and-run crashes, which often worsen outcomes by delaying emergency care.
The involvement of the Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and traffic safety unit reflects the seriousness of this case. Prosecutors will likely argue for harsh penalties given the victim’s age and the driver’s decision to flee.
The Broader Issue of Pedestrian Safety
This tragedy on Bluff Road isn’t isolated. Fatal pedestrian crashes occur across South Carolina from Killian Road in Columbia to Two Notch Road, and even more rural areas of Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and Lee County Sheriff’s Office jurisdictions.
In 2023, multiple agencies including the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Columbia Police Department, and Berkeley County Fire Service partnered on safety campaigns. Still, the statistics remain troubling, showing that South Carolina is among the most dangerous states for pedestrians.
Community Impact and Ongoing Grief
The death of 11-year-old Travis Kelley has left a lasting scar on the Richland County Sheriff’s Department community. Memorials and vigils are expected, with possible burials at Carolina Memorial Gardens.
Family and friends have emphasized the irreplaceable loss of a young life. Community members referenced other tragedies in Orangeburg County and Union County Prosecutor’s Office cases where children were victims, highlighting a disturbing trend of unsafe driving leading to young lives being cut short.
Final Thoughts
The hit-and-run crash on Bluff Road illustrates the dangers pedestrians face daily in South Carolina. With involvement from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Columbia Police Department, and local school officials, this case represents not only a devastating family tragedy but also a call to action for better safety and accountability.
As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to demand justice for Travis Kelley while remembering his bright spirit as a young student in the Montessori program at W.G. Sanders.
