St. George Resident Frank Rivers III Killed in Orangeburg County Pickup Truck Crash

SANTEE, South Carolina — A single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning, September 26, 2026, claimed the life of 22-year-old Frank Rivers III of St. George, South Carolina.

According to emergency dispatch reports from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. near the intersection of Five Chop Road (U.S. Route 301) and Old No. 6 Highway. Rivers was traveling northbound in a GMC Sierra pickup truck when the vehicle swerved off the right side of the roadway and collided with a dirt embankment. Emergency services personnel responded to the scene, where Rivers—the sole occupant of the truck—was pronounced dead from fatal trauma injuries.

Official Status and Traffic Investigation

Orangeburg County Coroner Sean Fogle officially identified the victim as Frank Rivers III and confirmed that he died of severe blunt force trauma sustained during the impact. The coroner's office has formally ruled the manner of death an accident.

Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol are conducting a complete crash investigation to establish contributing factors, including speed, roadway visibility, and vehicle mechanics. No secondary vehicles were involved in the incident.

Community Tributes and Family Support

News of the tragic passing of Frank Rivers III has brought profound grief to his family, friends, and community members in St. George and Orangeburg County.

Loved ones remember him as a cherished young man whose unexpected loss leaves a deep impact on the local community. Expressions of sympathy and support continue to be extended to the Rivers family during this period of bereavement. Details regarding formal visitation hours, funeral services, and memorial arrangements will be announced as plans are finalized by his family.