The community of Garden City is mourning the tragic loss of 86-year-old Andrew Bowden, who died Monday from severe injuries he suffered in a vehicle crash late last week. His passing comes three days after the accident, highlighting the devastating and sometimes delayed impact of traffic-related injuries on older adults.
Authorities reported that the crash occurred Friday on Rainbow Drive, though the exact time and additional circumstances have not yet been released. Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard confirmed that Bowden was behind the wheel when the incident happened and sustained multiple traumatic injuries in the collision. The severity of those injuries would ultimately prove fatal.
Emergency responders transported Bowden to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center shortly after the crash. He was admitted for treatment as doctors worked to stabilize his condition. Despite their efforts and Bowden’s fight for survival, he succumbed to his injuries on Monday. The coroner’s office later confirmed that the cause of death was directly linked to the traumatic injuries he suffered during the accident.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is now handling the investigation into what led to the crash. As with all fatal roadway incidents, troopers will conduct a detailed reconstruction of the collision. Their work may include analyzing vehicle damage, reviewing roadway conditions, and interviewing witnesses to determine whether factors such as speed, roadway hazards, or potential involvement of another vehicle played a role.
Because details are still emerging, officials have not yet confirmed whether any other motorists were involved in the incident or what may have caused Bowden to lose control. Investigators are expected to release more information once the ongoing review is complete. For now, the preliminary findings simply confirm that the crash occurred on Rainbow Drive and resulted in injuries severe enough to claim Bowden’s life days later.
Bowden’s death has brought grief and sadness to Garden City, where he was a longtime resident. The incident serves as a difficult reminder of how quickly lives can change following a traffic collision, especially when injuries are serious. As the investigation continues, community members are keeping Bowden’s family and friends in their thoughts during this painful time.
