A tragic accident early Monday morning in Lexington County, South Carolina, claimed the life of a 55-year-old man after his truck struck a deer and crashed into a tree. The fatal collision underscores the ongoing dangers faced by motorists on South Carolina highways, where wildlife, high-speed traffic, and unpredictable conditions often converge to create devastating outcomes.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the single-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Interstate 20. The driver, George Woodrow Stoudemire III, a resident of Lexington, was traveling west toward Aiken County when his 2024 Ford Maverick collided with a deer. Following the impact, the pickup veered off the left side of the road and struck a tree, causing fatal injuries.
Stoudemire was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, officials confirmed. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher, who ruled the incident an accident. Incidents like this serve as a tragic reminder of how quickly highway collisions can turn deadly especially on routes like I-20, where heavy vehicles and wildlife hazards make driving more dangerous. Families affected by such tragedies are encouraged to speak with an experienced Truck Accident Lawyer who can help them understand their legal options, investigate the circumstances, and ensure their rights are protected.
A Tragic Morning on I-20
The crash serves as yet another reminder of how quickly ordinary drives can turn deadly. The early morning hours often bring limited visibility and increased wildlife activity, particularly in wooded or rural areas like Lexington County. Deer-related crashes are especially common during fall and winter months, as animals are more active near roadways at dawn and dusk.
While deer collisions often result in minor damage, high-speed impacts can be catastrophic particularly when a vehicle swerves off the road. In this case, the secondary impact with a tree proved fatal, despite the driver’s proper use of a seatbelt.
South Carolina’s Growing Traffic Fatality Problem
This tragic incident adds to a troubling pattern across South Carolina. Through Sunday, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported 717 traffic deaths in 2025 alone. That number represents only part of a persistent safety challenge in 2024, at least 948 people lost their lives in roadway crashes statewide.
Lexington County itself has seen a sharp increase in fatalities. According to DPS data, 30 people have died on Lexington County roads in 2025 so far. That figure is on track to approach the 50 deaths recorded in 2024, reflecting an alarming upward trend in fatal crashes.
Factors contributing to these numbers include distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, and environmental hazards such as wildlife crossings. The I-20 corridor, which runs through Columbia, Lexington, and Aiken County, is one of South Carolina’s busiest routes and also one of its most dangerous.
Deer Collisions: A Hidden Threat for Motorists
While most drivers are aware of the risk of collisions with other vehicles, fewer realize how common wildlife-related crashes can be. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that over a million deer-vehicle collisions occur nationwide each year, leading to hundreds of deaths and billions in damages.
In South Carolina, rural and suburban highways are particularly susceptible. The early morning crash involving Stoudemire highlights how these sudden encounters can lead to severe consequences, especially when a driver loses control at highway speeds.
Even with seatbelts and airbags, the force of secondary impacts such as crashing into trees or guardrails often proves fatal. The use of headlights, reduced speeds in deer-prone zones, and increased driver awareness during peak movement hours (dawn and dusk) are essential for prevention.
Investigations Underway
Authorities have confirmed that the South Carolina Highway Patrol and Lexington County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Investigators will analyze roadway conditions, vehicle data, and other contributing factors to determine whether any additional causes played a role in the fatal collision.
While initial reports confirm that Stoudemire was the only occupant and no other vehicles were involved, investigators will assess whether speed, visibility, or road conditions may have contributed to the loss of control following the deer strike.
Such investigations often take weeks to complete, as officials review data from vehicle recorders and reconstruct the scene to understand the sequence of events.
A Reminder of the Fragility of Life on the Road
For residents of Lexington County, Monday’s tragedy is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be behind the wheel. Even experienced, cautious drivers are not immune to the unexpected. The combination of natural hazards, early-morning darkness, and highway speeds can create deadly situations in an instant.
As authorities continue to emphasize, South Carolina motorists must remain vigilant not just against distracted drivers but also against the unpredictable forces of nature.
Every collision adds to a mounting toll that impacts families, friends, and communities across the state. Each fatality is more than a statistic; it’s a life lost, a family changed forever.
Road Safety Awareness in South Carolina
To reduce the growing number of fatalities, safety experts recommend a series of preventive measures for drivers traveling on high-speed roadways like I-20:
- Stay Alert During Early Hours: Wildlife such as deer are most active around dawn and dusk.
- Avoid Swerving: When a collision with an animal seems unavoidable, maintaining control of the vehicle is often safer than swerving into another lane or off the road.
- Use High Beams Wisely: When safe, use high beams to spot animals ahead.
- Maintain Safe Speeds: Slowing down can significantly reduce the severity of impact.
- Report Hazards: Contact local authorities if you see dead animals or debris that could pose risks to other motorists.
Education, responsible driving habits, and better infrastructure such as wildlife fencing and signage could help reduce these incidents statewide.
The Bigger Picture
Traffic safety continues to be one of South Carolina’s most pressing issues. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns and enforcement initiatives, fatalities remain high. Rural counties, including Lexington, often bear the brunt of these losses due to long stretches of highway, limited lighting, and higher speed limits.
The death of George Woodrow Stoudemire III adds another heartbreaking chapter to this story. His accident illustrates that even with proper seatbelt use and responsible behavior, drivers remain vulnerable to the unexpected.
Authorities urge all motorists to remain attentive and cautious particularly on interstates like I-20, where seconds can make the difference between life and death.
About Ted Law
Ted Law Firm, stands as a committed advocate for victims of accidents and their families across South Carolina. The firm continues to raise awareness about road safety, accountability, and justice for those affected by preventable tragedies.We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Every life lost on the road represents a call for stronger protections, better infrastructure, and responsible driving across the state.Contact us today for a free consultation.
