Man Pleads Guilty to Obstruction in 2021 Fatal Crash on Ashley River Road
A man pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice related to a 2021 three-vehicle collision on Ashley River Road, which resulted in one fatality.
Michael Glenn Eynon, 36, was set to stand trial but opted to plead guilty on August 25. He initially faced serious charges, including leaving the scene of an accident with death and great bodily injury. According to authorities, Eynon was driving a black 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer when he collided with another vehicle while turning left into a shopping center parking lot just after 11:30 p.m. on July 23, 2021.
The crash left one driver with a broken leg, and 19-year-old Ryleigh O'Brien died from her injuries. O'Brien, a standout volleyball player, graduated from Bishop England High School the previous year.
Witnesses reported seeing Eynon exit his SUV and walk toward a nearby bar, where he attempted to blend in with the crowd. Eynon initially claimed to be a witness and misled police about the incident. However, he later admitted to being the driver after law enforcement spoke with the SUV's owner, who stated he had lent Eynon the vehicle that night.
Eynon was sentenced to five years of probation with credit for 30 days served. Court records revealed he had a prior traffic-related conviction for DUI and was involved in another crash on Ashley River Road in 2017.