The Pickens County community is mourning the tragic loss of two Inman residents who died in a violent crash on Thursday, December 11. The Pickens County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 69-year-old Joseph E. Aenbacher and 75-year-old Marsha A. Gregory, both beloved members of their community. Their sudden deaths have left family, friends, and neighbors heartbroken as authorities work to piece together exactly what happened on the busy roadway.
According to early findings, the deadly collision occurred when a 2013 Honda Civic attempted to enter State Route 183 from Jameson Road. Investigators say the Honda was making its way onto the highway when it was struck on the driver’s side by an approaching pickup truck. The impact was severe, crushing the left side of the Civic and causing catastrophic injuries to those inside. The crash happened quickly, leaving little time for either driver to react.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene after 911 callers reported a serious wreck with injuries. Firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, and EMS personnel found Aenbacher behind the wheel of the Honda, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Gregory, who was riding in the passenger seat, was still alive when help arrived. She was immediately transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where medical staff fought to save her life. Sadly, she later died from the injuries she sustained in the crash.
Officials confirmed that both Aenbacher and Gregory were wearing their seatbelts at the time—an important detail that underscores the force of the collision. The condition of the pickup truck driver has not been made public, and authorities have not indicated whether speed, weather, or driver visibility contributed to the wreck. Investigators say information about the other vehicle and its driver will be released only after it is fully verified through the ongoing investigation.
A portion of SC 183 near Jameson Road was temporarily shut down as state troopers and coroner’s office investigators worked the scene. They took detailed measurements, examined skid marks, and gathered physical evidence to better understand how the events unfolded. Crews also worked to safely remove the damaged vehicles, allowing traffic to resume once the roadway was deemed secure.
This tragic crash has shaken the Inman community, where both victims were well known and deeply loved. Their families are now facing a devastating loss, and officials are respecting their privacy during this difficult time. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash, or who may have relevant information, to come forward and assist investigators as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision.
