Rural collision leaves family seeking help as police investigate
A late-night hit-and-run in rural Georgetown County has left a family mourning and seeking financial help for funeral and burial arrangements. The victim, identified by authorities as 30-year-old Jaquan Davis of Georgetown, was struck shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday on Lanes Creek Drive, near July Lane.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 10:31 p.m.. The striking vehicle did not remain at the scene and investigators continue to pursue leads. The county coroner, Chase Ridgeway, said an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.
- Victim: Jaquan Davis, 30, of Georgetown
- Location: Lanes Creek Drive near July Lane, rural Georgetown County
- Time: about 10:31 p.m., Tuesday
- Status: Vehicle fled scene; Highway Patrol investigating
Local authorities have asked anyone with information about the vehicle or the collision to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol. No charges or arrests were reported publicly as of the latest updates.
"Jaquan was a fun person who loved being around family and friends. He enjoyed watching and playing sports growing up, and he lived life his own way in a way that made him proud. His passing has left a deep pain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him," Martin wrote.
Family fundraising to cover funeral and burial costs
In the wake of the death, Mr. Davis’s brother, Martin, has set up a fundraiser to help cover the costs of funeral arrangements, memorial services and related expenses. In public notes accompanying the appeal, Martin asked for donations and for supporters to share the fundraiser if they were unable to give.
The family statement stressed the emotional impact of the loss and framed the crowdfunding campaign as a way for friends, neighbours and the wider community to contribute to a respectful farewell. The fundraiser is being promoted through local channels, and organisers say the funds will go directly to expenses tied to the funeral and burial.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident type | Hit-and-run pedestrian/motor vehicle collision |
| Investigating agency | South Carolina Highway Patrol |
| Coroner | Chase Ridgeway (autopsy pending) |
| Family action | Fundraiser established by brother Martin |
Context and community response
Rural road collisions, particularly when a driver leaves the scene, present distinctive investigative challenges. Witnesses can be few, and the time between the collision and a report or discovery can complicate evidence collection. The Highway Patrol has asked the public to contact them with any information that could help identify the vehicle involved or provide additional details about the circumstances.
For readers in Georgetown, Ontario, and surrounding communities, the episode underscores familiar concerns about road safety outside urban cores: limited lighting, greater vehicle speeds, and fewer immediate witnesses can exacerbate the consequences of a crash. It also highlights how families facing sudden, out-of-pocket funeral costs often turn to community fundraising to manage urgent expenses.
Authorities have not released a description of the suspect vehicle or its occupants. The family’s fundraiser remains active and the community response online shows an outpouring of condolences and offers of support. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol to assist the ongoing investigation.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor developments and will publish updates as the Highway Patrol and county coroner release further details.
