Concerns Rise Over Pedestrian Safety in South Carolina

Pedestrian crossing sign on a busy South Carolina road

Greenwood, South Carolina, September 17, 2025

News Summary

Two recent fatal pedestrian accidents in South Carolina have sparked major concerns about pedestrian safety. A woman was struck by a pickup truck in Greenwood County, while a man was killed in a hit-and-run in Darlington County. Both incidents have triggered an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution among pedestrians.

Greenwood, South Carolina – Recent fatal pedestrian accidents have raised alarms regarding pedestrian safety in South Carolina. Two separate incidents occurred on the evening of September 14, 2025, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals, prompting investigations by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP).

Incident 1: Greenwood County Pedestrian Fatality

On Sunday night, around 9 p.m., Aneeka Loraine Childs, a 44-year-old woman, was struck and killed while walking on Highway 25 South, near Davis Street. The collision involved a Chevrolet pickup truck, whose driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was unharmed.

The SCHP is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to the coroner’s office, the manner of death has been classified as accidental, with the cause being blunt force trauma. Authorities have indicated that their investigation remains ongoing.

Incident 2: Darlington County Hit-and-Run Fatality

Another fatal accident occurred later that same evening, around 10:30 p.m., in Darlington County. The pedestrian, identified as Emanuel Hanneef Trotter, a 38-year-old known colloquially as “Rocky,” was walking south on Society Hill Road when he was struck by an unidentified vehicle near Lawson Road. The driver responsible for this hit-and-run incident has not yet been located.

Trotter was known in his community for his daily walks, which he accompanied with music he enjoyed listening to during his strolls. Witnesses reported the distinctive sound of music coming from Trotter as he walked in the area.

Growing Concerns Over Pedestrian Safety

The incidents involving Childs and Trotter highlight the increasing safety concerns for pedestrians across South Carolina. The SCHP is urging anyone with information related to the hit-and-run in Darlington County to come forward or dial 911. In light of these accidents, community members are encouraged to be more vigilant while walking near roadways.

Weather and Conditions

On a related note, locals can expect a mix of sun and clouds with a morning shower in the forecast. The high temperature for today is 84°F, accompanied by west-southwest winds at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, temperatures will drop to a low of 62°F with light and variable winds.

Conclusion

The tragic deaths of Aneeka Loraine Childs and Emanuel Hanneef Trotter serve as reminders of the importance of pedestrian safety. Both cases remain under investigation, and community awareness is crucial to prevent future accidents on South Carolina’s roads.

FAQ Section

What happened in Greenwood County?

A pedestrian was struck and killed on Sunday, September 14, 2025, around 9 p.m. along Highway 25 South near Davis Street.

Who was the victim in Greenwood County?

The victim was identified as 44-year-old Aneeka Loraine Childs.

What were the circumstances of her death?

Aneeka Childs was walking on the roadway when she was hit by a Chevrolet pickup truck, with the coroner’s office classifying her death as accidental due to blunt force trauma.

What happened in Darlington County?

Another fatal accident occurred in Darlington County on Sunday night at approximately 10:30 p.m. involving a pedestrian named Emanuel Hanneef Trotter.

Who was Emanuel Hanneef Trotter?

Trotter was 38 years old and known in the community as “Rocky.” He was struck by an unknown vehicle while walking south on Society Hill Road near Lawson Road.

What is being done about these incidents?

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is actively investigating both incidents, and they have requested information from the public regarding the hit-and-run in Darlington County.

Key Features of the Pedestrian Accidents

Feature Incident 1 (Greenwood County) Incident 2 (Darlington County)
Date and Time September 14, 2025, 9 p.m. September 14, 2025, 10:30 p.m.
Victim Name Aneeka Loraine Childs Emanuel Hanneef Trotter
Victim Age 44 38
Circumstances Hit by a Chevrolet pickup truck Struck by an unidentified vehicle in a hit-and-run
Status of Investigation Ongoing by SCHP and coroner’s office Ongoing by SCHP, driver unidentified
Manner of Death Accidental Pending

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

HERE Greenwood
Author: HERE Greenwood

The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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