COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Sunday night walk ended in tragedy in Columbia after a 29-year-old man was killed in a crash involving an allegedly impaired driver. The deadly collision occurred near a busy downtown intersection, leaving one family grieving and renewing concerns about the dangers of impaired driving.
Authorities identified the victim as Malcolm D. Johnson, 29, of Columbia, South Carolina. According to officials, the crash happened near the intersection of Gervais Street and Park Street. Johnson was crossing the street when a vehicle entered the intersection and struck him, along with another pedestrian.
Investigators said the driver, identified as Randall Miller, 29, allegedly ran a red light while driving under the influence. The vehicle struck Johnson and a woman who were both in a marked crosswalk at the time of the collision. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but Johnson suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second pedestrian involved in the crash, an adult woman, was also struck and injured. Authorities have not released details about her condition, but confirmed she was transported for medical treatment. The intersection was temporarily shut down as police conducted a detailed investigation, collecting evidence and speaking with witnesses.
Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford described Johnson’s death as a heartbreaking tragedy. In a statement, Rutherford expressed deep sympathy for Johnson’s family, friends, and all those affected by the sudden loss. She noted that incidents like this leave a lasting impact not only on loved ones but on the entire community.
Miller has been charged in connection with the crash and is currently being held without bond at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. Officials said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing as authorities work to determine all factors that contributed to the deadly collision. Law enforcement leaders are once again urging drivers to never get behind the wheel while impaired, stressing that one reckless decision can forever change multiple lives.
