Clinton, SC — On May 3rd, the Clinton community gathered in a powerful tribute to honor the memory of Hunter Sipes, a firefighter and 2020 Clinton High School graduate who tragically lost his life following a hit-and-run incident in 2020.
The annual Memorial Ride for Sipes began at 10 a.m., with participants assembling earlier that morning at Whiteford’s Drive-In, a local landmark owned by Steven and Angie Whiteford, the parents of the late firefighter. The ride drew a large crowd of motorcyclists, first responders, and supporters from across the region, all riding in solidarity to remember Sipes and raise awareness about the dangers of drunk and impaired driving.
Sipes, 20, a member of the Clinton Fire Department, was critically injured on Highway 76 near Randall Drive when a vehicle driven by 56-year-old Robert Curry Richardson pulled into his path from a private driveway. Sipes was riding his 2004 Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound at the time. He passed away two days later at Prisma Greenville Memorial Hospital due to injuries sustained in the crash.
The event, now in its third year, was organized by Angie Whiteford, who has turned her grief into action, hosting the ride annually as a way to honor her son’s legacy and promote community safety.
This year’s memorial included new touches that made the event even more personal and engaging. The entire route was lined with memorial pictures of Hunter, giving riders a visual reminder of the young man whose life they were honoring. A butterfly release offered a moment of reflection and remembrance for attendees. Face painting was also available for families and children, adding a community-friendly element to the day.
Representatives from the Clinton and Joanna Fire Departments, the Clinton City and Laurens County Sheriff’s Departments, and The Laurens County Safe Home set up booths offering educational materials, free bracelets, coloring books, pamphlets, and T-shirts. All giveaways were designed to raise awareness about the consequences of drunk driving and the importance of road safety.
The community’s continued support for the family and the growing turnout at each annual ride reflect the lasting impact Hunter had on those around him — as a firefighter, a friend, and a son.
For those who missed this year’s event, plans are already underway for the 2026 ride, continuing a meaningful tradition that honors a young life taken too soon.
