Two Cyclist Deaths, DUI Under Investigation
An accident occurred late Friday night at 9:39 p.m. as a motorcyclist was heading westbound on S.C. 544. According to Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins, a separate vehicle pulled out from the Coastal Villas Apartment Complex on S.C. 544 near West Cox Ferry Road.
A 46-year-old male died at the scene of the crash, according to Horry Country Deputy Coroner Chris Burroughs. An autopsy conducted this afternoon revealed the cause of death was due to the blunt force of the trauma received during the accident, according to the Burroughs.
“He didn’t ride that much, he didn’t do a lot of riding,” said the victim’s brother. “He liked to play golf, he liked NASCAR, he liked college football - Clemson [University] all the way.” The 59-year-old said he shared his 40-year love for motorcycles with his younger brother. “He hadn’t been into it quite as long as me, but he loved it.”
The second crash occurred 30 minutes later. involving four vehicles on S.C. 544 in front of the Boardwalk, Collins said.
A vehicle driving eastbound on S.C. 544 crossed the centerline and struck two motorcyclists and then hit a truck, all of which were traveling westbound on S.C. 544, he said. A 47-year-old of Centereach, N.Y., died at the scene of the crash, Horry County Coroner Robert Edge said. The autopsy revealed massive trauma to the lower extremities.
The driver of the vehicle is charged with felony DUI involving death and is being held at J. Reuben Long Detention Center, according to Collins. The 60-year-old Myrtle Beach woman was the only driver and the two motorcyclists were reported not wearing helmets. Under South Carolina law, no helmet is required because they were outside the Myrtle Beach city limits.