The Laurens County Coroner’s Office and the Laurens Police Department have issued the following statements:
Laurens County Coroner’s Office Deputy Coroner Ashley Rushton responded to the area of S. Harper St. EXT and Burnt Mill Creek Rd. in Laurens in reference to a 1 car MVA that occurred around 1:25am on Sunday morning. The driver of the vehicle passed away at the scene. Deputy Coroner Ashley Rushton has identified the driver as Robert Ealwinne, 30-year-old of Clinton. An autopsy will be scheduled for Monday. Investigation to be continued by South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Suspected DUI Driver Killed in Pursuit, Narcotics and Firearm Recovered
Laurens - On September 15, 2024, at approximately 1:20 am, City of Laurens Police Officers observed a Chevrolet Spark traveling southbound, exhibiting signs of impaired driving. Officers followed the vehicle, confirming their suspicion of impairment, and initiated a traffic stop on South Harper Street Extension. The driver failed to yield and instead attempted to flee, initiating a pursuit. Officers, in accordance with departmental policy, engaged in the pursuit to safeguard the public from the suspected intoxicated driver. During the brief pursuit, the vehicle’s occupants discarded narcotics and a firearm, both of which were recovered following the incident. The driver, demonstrating reckless disregard for safety, was involved in a single-car crash that resulted in his fatality. The passenger in the vehicle sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The names of the individuals involved will be released at a later date.
City of Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland commented on the incident, saying, “This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Our officers acted swiftly to protect the public, and we extend our thoughts to those affected. We will continue working closely with state authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.”
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
A SC Highway Patrol report said the fleeing vehicle hit a tree and overturned several times.
First Fatality
Coroner’s Office: ”According to the S.C. Highway Patrol, the collision happened on I-26 East Bound, at mile marker 46, just 10 miles west of Clinton. The driver was traveling east on I-26 and slowed to a stop, where they began backing up, S.C. Highway Patrol said. The driver then “jack-knifed” and struck the median barrier.”
The driver of the Tractor-Trailer has been identified as Barry J. Martin from Gilbert, SC. EMS was quickly on scene and started resuscitation procedures without any effect. Fortunately, there were no other MVA’s from this isolated incident. The Cause-of-Death is pending autopsy.
