A routine afternoon drive turned fatal for a Bluffton, South Carolina resident when a tragic crash unfolded on a Georgia highway. On Monday afternoon, July 21, 2025, Kelly Sullivan, a Bluffton woman, was killed in a devastating log truck accident near the International Paper Mill in Port Wentworth, Chatham County.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the fatal collision occurred just before 3 p.m. when Sullivan’s BMW struck logs protruding from the back of a log truck as it was turning into the mill on Georgia Highway 25. The force of the impact caused the BMW to veer off the roadway and crash into a nearby tree. Sullivan was quickly transported to Memorial Hospital in Savannah, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries despite emergency efforts.
The driver of the log truck has not yet been publicly identified, and the incident remains under active investigation. Authorities are now working to determine whether the truck was in compliance with commercial load regulations and safety standards at the time of the crash.
This tragic event is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improperly loaded or inadequately marked commercial vehicles especially on heavily traveled routes. For residents of Bluffton, Hilton Head, and the surrounding Lowcountry, the incident highlights just how quickly a routine drive can become catastrophic when trucking safety is overlooked.
In such devastating situations, grieving families often face emotional, legal, and financial challenges. For those seeking justice or answers, consulting a skilled Hilton Head Car Accident Lawyer can be an important first step toward understanding their rights and navigating the legal process. From investigating potential negligence to holding responsible parties accountable, experienced legal support can make all the difference in the aftermath of a fatal collision.
Understanding the Crash: What Happened on GA-25?
The crash happened on Georgia State Route 25, a heavily trafficked industrial road leading to and from the International Paper Mill. According to investigators, a log truck was attempting to make a left turn into the mill’s entrance when the BMW collided with the overhanging logs extending from the rear of the trailer.
The force of the impact caused Sullivan’s car to leave the roadway and hit a tree. Despite emergency response and medical efforts, she was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Key known details:
- Time of crash: Just before 3:00 p.m.
- Date: Monday, July 21, 2025
- Location: Entrance to International Paper Mill, Port Wentworth, GA
- Victim: Kelly Sullivan, Bluffton, South Carolina
- Vehicles involved: BMW sedan and log truck
- Outcome: Sullivan died at Memorial Hospital; the truck driver was not injured
Log Truck Accidents: Hidden Dangers on Rural and Industrial Roads
Commercial log trucks are commonly seen in rural and forested areas throughout the Southeastern U.S., including South Carolina and Georgia. While essential to industries like timber and paper production, these vehicles carry unique dangers when not operated or loaded properly.
Hazards associated with log trucks:
- Overhanging logs that extend beyond legal or visible boundaries
- Unsecured or shifting cargo
- Limited visibility for drivers behind the truck
- Longer braking distances and turning radii
- Increased blind spots
When logs protrude dangerously from a trailer, even a minor traffic event can lead to catastrophic injuries or death.
Who Is Liable in a Log Truck Accident?
When someone is killed in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, multiple parties may share legal responsibility depending on the findings of the investigation.
In this case, Kelly Sullivan’s vehicle struck the logs, which may have been improperly loaded, unsecured, or extended beyond a safe distance. This raises critical legal questions about liability.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Truck driver – if logs extended too far or the turn was made unsafely
- Trucking company or employer – for negligent training or oversight
- Log loading contractor or crew – for improper cargo handling
- Trailer manufacturer – if equipment failure played a role
- Log mill operator – if on-site safety protocols were ignored
Federal and State Laws Regulating Log Truck Safety
Log trucks are subject to both state and federal transportation regulations under:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
- Georgia Department of Public Safety
- Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)
These laws mandate:
- Proper cargo securement
- Reflective markings on extended loads
- Use of flags, lights, and signage to warn other motorists
- Weight distribution compliance
- Required training and rest for drivers
If the logs on the truck involved in Sullivan’s crash were not properly secured or marked, the truck operator or company could be found negligent and liable for wrongful death.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action that allows surviving family members to pursue compensation when someone dies as a result of another party’s negligence or misconduct.
In Kelly Sullivan’s case, her family may be able to file a wrongful death claim in Georgia, even though she was a South Carolina resident, because the crash occurred in Chatham County.
Damages in a wrongful death case may include:
- Medical expenses related to the crash
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support and income
- Emotional suffering and grief
- Loss of companionship and guidance
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2), the following individuals may file a wrongful death claim:
- Spouse of the deceased
- Children (if no surviving spouse)
- Parents (if no spouse or children)
- Estate administrator, on behalf of next of kin
If Kelly Sullivan had a spouse, children, or parents, they may be eligible to bring a claim. Even if the family resides in South Carolina, a Georgia attorney – or a firm licensed in both states – can help navigate this legal process.
Why Truck Crash Investigations Must Happen Fast
In commercial truck accident cases, preserving evidence is critical. Trucking companies and insurers often act quickly to defend themselves, which is why families should consult an attorney immediately.
Key evidence that must be secured includes:
- Driver logs and route history
- Truck GPS and telematics data
- Load manifests and cargo documentation
- Surveillance or dash cam footage
- Witness statements
- Black box data from the vehicle
- Maintenance records and safety checks
At Ted Law Firm, we launch independent investigations as soon as we’re retained to ensure critical evidence is not lost or destroyed.
How Ted Law Firm Helps Victims’ Families
At Ted Law Firm, we’ve represented grieving families across South Carolina and Georgia in complex commercial vehicle fatality cases. Our legal team handles:
- Wrongful death lawsuits
- Truck accident claims
- Commercial liability and insurance disputes
- Cross-border legal issues between SC and GA
We offer:
Free consultations
No fees unless we win
Investigative resources to uncover the truth
Support through the entire legal process
Safety Advocacy: Preventing Future Log Truck Crashes
Beyond legal remedies, cases like these underscore the importance of better enforcement, stricter training, and enhanced regulations for log trucks and other large commercial vehicles.
Advocating for:
- Improved flagging and signage for long loads
- Mandatory rear visibility systems
- Training for mill-bound log drivers
- Regular DOT inspections
- Public education on sharing the road with commercial trucks
can help prevent tragedies like the one that claimed Kelly Sullivan’s life.
Final Thoughts: Honoring the Life of Kelly Sullivan
While the investigation is ongoing and many details remain undisclosed, what is clear is that Kelly Sullivan’s death was sudden, tragic, and deeply felt by the Bluffton and Port Wentworth communities.
At Ted Law Firm, we remain committed to educating South Carolina drivers about their legal rights under new traffic legislation like the South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act. We understand how devastating automobile accidents can be, especially when caused by preventable distractions. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Our mission is to ensure every client receives the legal support and clarity they need after serious road incidents .Contact us today for a free consultation,
Chatham County fatal truck accident
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
