A quiet Sunday afternoon in Ridgeville turned tragic when 45-year-old Sylvester Stinson, of Walterboro, lost his life in a single-vehicle crash on Cypress Campground Road. The crash occurred around 1:25 p.m. as investigators say the Ford pickup he was driving veered off the right side of the roadway, then overcorrected, jumped across, and overturned.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the pickup was traveling west when it first left the pavement on the right. The driver then lost control, crossed the center line, ran off the left side and the vehicle overturned. Troopers said Stinson was the only occupant, and though he had his seatbelt on, the collision was fatal. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office confirmed Stinson’s identity Monday morning. While the investigation remains open, officials have yet to determine what triggered the initial off-road excursion. Speed, mechanical problems and weather conditions are all still under review.
Loved ones and community in Walterboro describe Stinson as a dependable, hardworking man who always made time for others. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through his circle of family and friends, many of whom say the area has lost someone steady and kind. His absence is already being felt in the ties he built in his hometown.
This incident is a stark reminder of the hazards present on rural roads—narrow lanes, fewer shoulders, and the risk of overcorrection when a vehicle drifts off pavement. Highway patrol officials urge motorists to remain vigilant, especially in less trafficked areas where an unexpected swerve or roll can quickly become tragic.
Investigators with the Highway Patrol continue to examine the wreckage, vehicle condition and roadway environment to determine root cause. Until more facts are released, the sequence of events remains: westbound pickup leaves road to the right, overcorrects left, overturns—leaving a life gone far too soon.
In the meantime, family and friends of Mr Stinson are navigating grief, and the broader community is left to reflect on how a moment’s loss of control can shatter a life and rip through the fabric of a small town. Emergency crews responded swiftly, but despite their efforts, the severity of the crash left no chance for rescue.
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