Late Friday night, the serene roads of Darlington County, South Carolina, were shattered by a devastating tragedy. Charles Wayne Polson Jr., a beloved 54-year-old cyclist, was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash while riding his bicycle along East McIver Road. The incident, which occurred around 11:15 p.m., has left a community in mourning and ignited calls for justice and safer roads for all.
Charles Wayne Polson Jr. was no stranger to the open roads of Darlington County. Known for his passion for cycling and his love for the outdoors, he was a familiar figure pedaling along the county’s winding paths, his bicycle a symbol of freedom and joy. On that fateful night, Polson was riding westbound on the shoulder of East McIver Road near South Charleston Road, straddling his bike, when a pickup truck barreled into him. The force of the collision was catastrophic, and according to Darlington County Coroner J. Todd Hardee, Polson succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving behind a void that his family and community are struggling to comprehend.
Jesica Kortepeter Polson, Charles’ common-law wife, recounted the harrowing moment with raw emotion. “It wasn’t much because I felt it,” she said, her voice heavy with grief. She revealed a heartrending detail that has gripped the hearts of many: in the split second before the crash, Charles heroically pushed her out of harm’s way, sacrificing his own life to save hers. “He gave his life for me,” Jesica said, her words a testament to the selflessness that defined the man she loved. This act of bravery has only deepened the sorrow felt by those who knew him, painting a picture of a man who lived with courage and love until his final moments.
The driver of the pickup truck fled into the night, leaving behind a scene of devastation and a community desperate for answers. The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) launched an immediate and relentless investigation, determined to bring the perpetrator to justice. Their efforts bore fruit within hours, as investigators zeroed in on Bryan Austin Davis, a Florence man now facing the weight of his actions. Davis was arrested and booked into the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center on Saturday night, where he remains without bond.
The charges against Davis are grave: hit-and-run resulting in death and second-offense driving under suspension. These accusations reflect not only the tragedy of Polson’s death but also the reckless disregard shown by fleeing the scene. “The loss of Mr. Polson is deeply tragic, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the community,” an SCHP spokesperson said, their words echoing the collective grief of Darlington County. “We are committed to ensuring accountability in cases like this, where reckless and unlawful actions result in the loss of life.”
For Polson’s family, the pain is compounded by a haunting sense of déjà vu. Alana Pacheco, Polson’s 17-year-old granddaughter, shared that this is not the first time their family has been torn apart by a senseless crash. In 2011, when Alana was just three years old, her father was killed in a similar tragedy in North Carolina, struck by a car in another hit-and-run. “It was like I was building a relationship with him,” Alana said of her grandfather, her voice breaking. “And it’s just, like I can’t do that anymore.” The loss of Charles, a man who had become a pillar of strength for his family, has reopened old wounds and left them grappling with unimaginable sorrow.
The Darlington County community has rallied around Polson’s memory, with neighbors, friends, and fellow cyclists expressing their shock and heartbreak. Polson was more than just a cyclist; he was a vibrant soul whose love for the outdoors inspired those around him. His death has sparked a renewed urgency for safer roadways, with residents calling for increased protections for cyclists and pedestrians. Jesica, still reeling from the loss, voiced the frustration felt by many: “Don’t lie about what happened. Own up to your mistake, and you’ll get the right sentence.” Her words carry the weight of a widow’s grief and a community’s demand for accountability.
As the investigation continues, the South Carolina Highway Patrol is urging anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle involved to come forward. Authorities are piecing together evidence to ensure that justice is served, but for those who knew Charles Wayne Polson Jr., no amount of justice can fill the void left by his absence. His selfless act, his love for cycling, and his unwavering devotion to his family will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
In the quiet of Darlington County, where the roads once carried Charles Polson’s laughter and spirit, a community mourns a hero. His memory rides on, a beacon of love, sacrifice, and the enduring call for safer streets.