Fatal Crash! Two Teens Killed While Fleeing Police in South Carolina

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, two people in a car being pursued by law enforcement agents were killed in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer, which also injured another person.

According to Master Trooper Brandon Bolt, the two-vehicle crash occurred Monday at around 1:30 p.m. in Edgefield County.

Joshua Brooks, 18, and Ashlee Price, 19, of Aiken County, were killed in the wreck, according to the Edgefield County Coroner’s Office. According to Bolt, the minors were driving a 2007 Honda Civic as they attempted to flee Edgefield County sheriff’s deputies. There was no information available as to which teen was driving and which was the passenger.

Bolt reported that the Honda was going north on U.S. 25/Augusta Road. It raced off the right side of the road to pass an unknown vehicle before turning back onto U.S. 25, crossing into the southbound lane, and colliding with an approaching 18-wheel tractor near the intersection with Rabbit Trail, according to Bolt.

Bolt said both teenagers died on the spot.

The truck driver was hurt and transferred to a nearby hospital, according to Bolt. More information about the truck driver’s condition was not provided.

No other injuries were reported.

There was no news on whether anyone involved in the crash was wearing a seat belt.

The reason for the teens’ pursuit by law enforcement personnel was unknown, but the sheriff’s office is still investigating the circumstances that led up to the incident, according to Bolt.

Bolt declined to say whether the Highway Patrol is currently investigating the collision.

According to the state Department of Public Safety, 346 people have died on South Carolina roadways as of Sunday in 2024. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 1,030 persons were killed in collisions last year.

DPS data show that at least three persons died in Edgefield County collisions in 2024. DPS recorded four deaths in the county in 2023.