WOODRUFF, S.C. — A tragic crash in Woodruff marked a grim start to the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” claiming the life of a local motorcyclist in a head-on collision Friday afternoon. The victim, identified as 36-year-old Brandon Branch of Woodruff, was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash with a Jeep along Buncombe Street Extension.
The fatal accident occurred just before 4:00 p.m. near the intersection of Buncombe Street and Perrin Avenue. According to preliminary reports from investigators, Branch was traveling along the 900 block of Buncombe Street Extension when his motorcycle collided head-on with the Jeep. The impact of the collision was severe, and despite rapid response by emergency services, Branch succumbed to his injuries on-site.
Officials from the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office confirmed Branch’s identity later that evening, and a forensic examination has been scheduled for Saturday to assist in piecing together the full details of the tragic event. At this stage of the investigation, authorities have not released further details, including whether the driver of the Jeep sustained any injuries or if any charges are expected to be filed.
The crash occurred during what law enforcement and public safety officials refer to as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities across the nation tend to spike. These months, often filled with increased travel and recreational driving, historically see a sharp rise in vehicle crashes and related deaths.
Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger issued a statement urging the public to take heightened precautions during the summer months. “I would ask that everyone be reminded to please pay attention while driving, wear your seatbelt, obey the speed limit, and drive defensively,” Clevenger said in a release reported by WSPA.
According to the latest data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Spartanburg County currently leads the state in traffic fatalities—a troubling statistic that underscores the importance of increased awareness and safety, particularly as summer begins.
The City of Woodruff Police Department was among the first to respond to the scene, quickly securing the area and beginning the initial investigation until additional county officials could arrive. Traffic was rerouted for several hours as authorities worked to clear the scene and gather evidence.
Community members have already begun expressing their grief and shock at the sudden loss of Branch, who was known locally and leaves behind family and friends mourning his untimely death. His death serves as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on the road and reinforces the urgent need for drivers to remain vigilant.
As investigations continue into the exact cause of the crash, public safety agencies across the state are amplifying their efforts to educate drivers on safe practices. This includes campaigns to discourage distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding—factors that contribute significantly to the high fatality rates during the summer period.
Brandon Branch’s death marks another somber entry in a season historically plagued by road tragedies. As communities head into the warmer months, officials are pleading for proactive caution to prevent further loss of life on South Carolina’s roads.