Tragic Crash Claims Life and Leaves Three Injured in Ridgeway

Tragic Crash Claims Life and Leaves Three Injured in Ridgeway

Ridgeway, SC – A serious car accident on Saturday evening resulted in the death of one individual and left three others hospitalized. The incident took place around 7:15 PM on U.S. 21 in Fairfield County, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Who Was Involved

The victim has been identified as Tony Lee Canty, a 56-year-old resident of Ridgeway. Canty was riding in the back seat of a 2013 Chevrolet SUV at the time of the crash. He sadly succumbed to his injuries at the scene, as confirmed by Fairfield County Coroner Chris Hill.

Details of the Accident

The two-vehicle collision involved a 2003 Ford van and the Chevrolet SUV. Both vehicles were traveling north on U.S. 21 when they collided near the intersection with Old 21 Road. Canty was one of two passengers in the Chevy, and he was pronounced dead shortly after the crash, triggering an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Injuries and Hospitalization

In the aftermath of the collision, the driver of the Chevrolet, along with a front-seat passenger, were transported to a nearby hospital. The driver of the Ford van, who was alone in the vehicle, was also taken to a local hospital. Unfortunately, updates on the medical conditions of the surviving victims have not yet been made available.

Seat Belt Usage and Investigation

According to Coroner Hill, Canty was not wearing a seat belt during the crash. It is currently unclear if the other individuals in the vehicles were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by both the Highway Patrol and the coroner’s office, with officials working to gather more information.

Context on Road Safety in South Carolina

This incident adds to a growing concern about traffic safety in South Carolina. As of October 6 in the current year, at least 723 individuals have lost their lives on state roads, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS). Comparatively, the previous year saw a total of 1,030 traffic fatalities across the state. In Fairfield County specifically, there have been 10 recorded deaths in traffic accidents in 2024, which is a notable figure compared to the 15 deaths reported in the county during the entirety of 2023.

Conclusion

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issues related to road safety and the importance of wearing seat belts. As investigations continue, authorities are working diligently to provide updates and ensure accurate information is reported. As more details emerge regarding this case, the community remains in mourning for the loss of Tony Lee Canty and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured.

For those seeking further information, authorities encourage the public to stay informed about updates on this case as they become available.