DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities have identified the victim of a deadly two-vehicle collision that occurred Friday morning on U.S. 17 in Dorchester County. The Dorchester County Coroner’s Office confirmed that 53-year-old Craig V. French of Summerville lost his life in the crash, which remains under investigation.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), the collision happened when a Ram pickup truck attempted to pass a Chevrolet sedan as it was turning left into a private driveway along U.S. 17 Alternate near Clubhouse Road. The vehicles collided during the maneuver, causing severe damage to both. French, who was driving the sedan, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck was not injured.
Officials said there was one passenger in French’s vehicle who was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment. While the passenger’s condition has not been released, authorities confirmed that emergency personnel provided immediate medical assistance upon arrival. The SCHP and the Dorchester County Coroner’s Office continue to examine all aspects of the crash, including roadway conditions, vehicle positioning, and potential contributing factors such as visibility or speed.
Preliminary findings suggest the fatal crash occurred during a passing attempt while French’s vehicle was making a left turn, but investigators have not yet determined who was at fault. Authorities are reviewing witness statements and surveillance footage to gain a clearer understanding of the sequence of events. Both agencies emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and no conclusions have been made regarding potential violations or contributing factors.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Dorchester County community has expressed an outpouring of condolences for French’s family and the injured passenger. Friends and neighbors remember Craig as a hardworking and compassionate man who was dedicated to his loved ones. His sudden passing has deeply affected those who knew him and serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change.
Authorities from the Highway Patrol and Coroner’s Office have urged all motorists to use extreme caution when attempting to pass other vehicles or making turns onto private property. Safe driving, they stressed, depends on attentiveness and patience — especially on busy roadways like U.S. 17. The investigation into the fatal crash continues as officials work to provide answers and closure for Craig French’s family and to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
