The Greenville County community is reeling after the tragic death of 25-year-old Nicholas “Nick” Rios, whose life was cut short in a shocking road-rage shooting on Augusta Road. What began as a routine call for a traffic accident quickly turned into a heartbreaking scene that has left family, friends, and neighbors searching for answers and grieving a loss that feels immeasurable.
On Wednesday, emergency crews rushed to the site of what dispatchers initially believed was a vehicle crash. When first responders arrived, they discovered that Nick had not been injured in an accident—he had been shot while behind the wheel. Life-saving efforts were immediately performed, but despite the dedication and urgency of medical personnel, Nick’s injuries were too severe. He later passed away, leaving a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
As investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting, deputies quickly identified 34-year-old Steven James Strickland as the suspect. Using video evidence and cell phone data, authorities were able to place Strickland at the scene and link him directly to the violent encounter. He was taken into custody and originally charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. With Nick’s passing, officials say those charges will be updated to reflect the gravity of the crime.
Nick Rios is being remembered as a young man full of warmth, loyalty, and joy—someone whose presence brightened the lives of everyone around him. Loved ones describe him as kind-hearted and genuine, a person who cared deeply for others and lived with an energy that inspired those who knew him. His sudden and senseless death has left countless people devastated, struggling to come to terms with how a moment of rage could take away a life filled with so much promise.
As Greenville County mourns this tremendous loss, the community has come together to honor Nick’s memory and surround his loved ones with support. Friends, relatives, and neighbors continue to share prayers, tributes, and stories that reflect the impact he made in just 25 years.
May his family find strength in one another, may his friends hold tightly to the memories they shared, and may Nicholas Rios be remembered not for the tragedy of his final moments but for the light, kindness, and love he brought into the world.
