CONWAY, S.C. — A tragic incident occurred on S.C. Highway 544 on August 16, resulting in the death of a Coastal Carolina University student and severe injuries to another.
Authorities reported that two students were struck by a vehicle while crossing the highway, with one, 21-year-old Kalina Trent, later succumbing to her injuries. The other student remains hospitalized. Emergency services promptly responded to the scene, but the details surrounding the vehicle, including its direction and driver involvement, remain unclear.
The incident has intensified ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in the area, where three students have lost their lives in similar circumstances over the past decade. Local leaders, including Coastal Carolina President James Winebrake, are calling for immediate safety measures and an expedited timeline for a proposed $12 million pedestrian overpass over Highway 544.
County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner emphasized that the roadway falls under state jurisdiction, necessitating collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for safety improvements. Witnesses reported previous objections to a plan for enhanced pedestrian safety features, which was originally set to include a median wall and designated crosswalks.
In response to recent fatalities, University officials are engaging with state transportation officials to implement a traffic safety action plan, which includes the installation of illuminated pedestrian signs and additional lighting along the highway corridor.
An online petition advocating for immediate safety improvements has garnered nearly 1,000 signatures within 24 hours. State Senator Greg Hembree has expressed his intent to prioritize pedestrian safety measures at an upcoming legislative meeting.
Ongoing investigations concerning the incident are being conducted, and further updates are anticipated as new information becomes available.