Orangeburg, S.C.A box truck struck the South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper’s patrol vehicle early on Sunday morning during a traffic stop on Interstate 26. The policeman died as a result of the injuries he received.
Trooper s Vehicle Struck on the Shoulder
Around two in the morning, Trooper Dennis D. Ricks, who has been with the South Carolina Highway Patrol since September 2023, was conducting a traffic check when the collision happened. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that when the truck struck, he was inside his designated patrol unit with blue lights on.
Only a few days after the tragedy, Ricks passed away on Wednesday night from his wounds. His wife survives him.
Investigation Continues into Fatal Collision
Whether the involved truck driver will face charges has not yet been made public by the authorities. Driver weariness, speed, and failure to yield to emergency vehicles are some of the variables that may be taken into account in the current investigation.
This death serves as a reminder of the dangers that police officers encounter when conducting roadside stops, especially on busy thoroughfares like I-26.
Tributes and Department Response
Ricks was commended by the Department of Public Safety for being a dedicated public servant who carried out his responsibilities with honor. Across the state, fellow troopers and civilians have sent their respects in response to his loss.
The tragedy is being used by public safety advocates to remind drivers of South Carolina’s Move Over Law, which mandates that drivers slow down or change lanes when they approach emergency vehicles on the side of the road.
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