In the quiet hours of Sunday morning, tragedy struck on Interstate 26 near West Columbia, South Carolina. Authorities have now confirmed the identity of the man who lost his life in the single-vehicle crash: 24-year-old Jose Gomez Rivas.
**The Crash Details
Just after midnight on August 10, Rivas was driving a 2008 Mitsubishi sedan eastbound on I-26 when the vehicle veered off the left side of the road near mile marker 117. The car struck a guardrail with force and overturned, coming to rest in a mangled heap. Rivas, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.
**Investigation and Safety Concerns
According to Corporal Nick Pye of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Rivas was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash—a detail confirmed by Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher. The absence of a seatbelt may have contributed to the fatal outcome, though the full circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
**Community Impact
The incident has sent ripples through the West Columbia community, where Rivas was a resident. Friends and family are mourning the sudden loss of a young life, while officials urge drivers to prioritize safety measures, including seatbelt use, especially during late-night travel.
**Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to examine the scene and gather evidence to determine what led to the vehicle’s departure from the roadway. No other vehicles were involved, and no foul play is suspected at this time.
As the Midlands region reflects on this heartbreaking event, authorities hope it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance behind the wheel.