One Killed When Car Struck Tree, Mailbox in Little River; Victim Identified by Coroner
Little River, SC — A single-vehicle crash in Little River claimed the life of a local man early Monday morning, according to authorities.
The Horry County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 34-year-old Thomas Jenkins of Little River. Jenkins was pronounced dead at the scene after the car he was driving left the roadway, struck a mailbox, and collided with a tree along Highway 90 near the intersection with Old Highway 17.
The crash occurred around 2:45 a.m., according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Investigators say Jenkins was driving a 2014 Toyota sedan heading west when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the right side of the road. After hitting a mailbox, the car slammed into a tree, suffering extensive front-end damage.
No other vehicles were involved, and Jenkins was the only occupant in the car.
Emergency responders from Horry County Fire Rescue arrived at the scene shortly after the crash but were unable to revive the victim. The coroner stated that Jenkins died from blunt force trauma.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether speed, alcohol, or distracted driving played a role. The road was temporarily closed for several hours as law enforcement processed the scene and cleared debris.
Family and friends of Jenkins have expressed shock over his sudden death. A memorial has been set up near the crash site with flowers and candles placed in his memory.
Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
This marks the latest in a series of fatal crashes in the Little River area this year, prompting renewed calls for increased road safety measures along Highway 90.
