The community of Pelzer, South Carolina, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 38-year-old Zachary Liddell, who died in a devastating crash on Interstate 85 Monday evening. The sudden tragedy has left family, friends, and neighbors shaken, as they struggle to understand how a routine drive turned into a life-altering moment of sorrow. For many in Pelzer, Zachary’s passing feels deeply personal, touching countless lives across the small, close-knit town.
According to the Anderson County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred around 7:35 p.m. along I-85 northbound near mile marker 39. Investigators say Zachary was behind the wheel of a pickup truck when the vehicle veered off the right side of the interstate. The truck then slammed into a guardrail, a violent impact that changed everything in an instant. Officials noted that the collision was significant enough to eject him from the vehicle.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they found Zachary outside the truck with severe injuries. Despite their efforts, he was tragically pronounced dead moments later. Authorities later confirmed that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash—an important detail that likely contributed to the fatal outcome. The coroner ruled the death accidental, noting that the combination of the intense impact and the ejection from the vehicle ultimately led to the injuries that claimed his life.
Zachary’s death has left an emotional void in Pelzer, where he was known for his hardworking nature and warm personality. Friends describe him as someone who brought comfort and familiarity into every room he entered—an easygoing presence who made others feel at ease. His loved ones say his absence will be felt not only in their homes, but throughout the community he quietly supported with kindness and dependability.
As news of the tragedy spreads, many in Pelzer are coming together to remember Zachary for the life he lived, rather than the tragic way he died. Candlelight gatherings, words of comfort, and messages of support have begun circulating as the community wraps its arms around his grieving family. The shock of the accident has sparked conversations about road safety, particularly the lifesaving importance of wearing a seatbelt.
Authorities continue to investigate the events leading up to the crash as loved ones prepare to say their final goodbyes. May Zachary Liddell rest in peace, and may those who loved him find strength, healing, and comfort in the days ahead.
