Authorities in Dorchester County have identified the man who was killed in a tragic two-vehicle collision late Saturday night. The Dorchester County Coroner’s Office confirmed that 41-year-old Ryan M. Koontz of Walterboro died after his SUV was struck on US-17 Alternate near Clubhouse Road. The crash happened around 10:40 p.m., and despite the immediate response from emergency crews, Koontz was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 11:50 p.m.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), the crash involved Koontz’s SUV and a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction. Preliminary reports indicate that the pickup truck crossed the center line and veered into Koontz’s lane, triggering a violent collision. First responders arrived to find both vehicles heavily damaged and worked quickly to assess injuries, secure the roadway, and determine whether anyone else required medical assistance. Unfortunately, Koontz had sustained fatal injuries and could not be revived.
The incident has prompted a multi-agency investigation involving the SCHP and the Dorchester County Coroner’s Office. Investigators are focusing on the moments leading up to the crash, including the pickup truck’s movement into the oncoming lane and any contributing factors. Officials commonly examine roadway conditions, driver behavior, and possible mechanical issues in cases like this. They also analyze physical evidence such as skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage to help reconstruct the sequence of events.
Authorities have not yet released information about the driver of the pickup truck, and it remains unclear what caused the vehicle to cross into Koontz’s path. As the investigation continues, officers are reviewing witness statements and searching for potential video footage from nearby cameras or passing vehicles. These details are essential in determining whether impairment, distraction, or another factor played a role in the fatal crash.
News of Koontz’s death has sent shockwaves through the Walterboro community, where friends and neighbors are mourning the sudden loss. Roadway fatalities leave a lasting impact on families and local communities, and many have expressed their condolences as they come to terms with the tragedy. Officials have also reminded drivers to remain alert and cautious, especially on rural highways like US-17 Alternate where late-night visibility can be limited.
As the investigation moves forward, the South Carolina Highway Patrol is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or noticed unusual driving behavior in the area to contact authorities. Even small details can help investigators build a clearer picture of how the collision occurred. Updates will be released as more verified information becomes available, as officials continue their work to provide answers about the circumstances that led to Ryan M. Koontz’s death.
