SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — In the quiet hours before sunrise on Friday, tragedy struck just west of Summerville when 25-year-old Milly Asencio was fatally hit while walking along Jedburg Road. Though officials are still piecing things together, the heartbreak is already felt deeply across her community.
Shortly after 2:30 a.m., the South Carolina Highway Patrol says Asencio was on the westbound side of Jedburg Road, walking east, when a Jeep traveling west collided with her. Emergency teams from Pineridge Fire & Rescue, Berkeley County EMS, and the sheriff’s office raced to the scene, but nothing could be done — Asencio was pronounced dead there. The driver of the Jeep escaped injury.
No charges have been filed yet, with investigators awaiting further clarity. The county coroner’s office and SCHP are delving into witness statements, physical evidence, and any available surveillance footage to reconstruct how this tragedy unfolded. Questions linger: Was visibility poor? Was the vehicle’s speed a factor? Was there lighting on that stretch of road?
Jedburg Road links several growing neighborhoods west of Summerville. It’s a route many locals take at all hours, even before dawn. While pedestrian collisions are rare here, this incident is a stark reminder of how perilous early-morning walks can be, especially in low light. Officials urged caution: pedestrians should wear reflective gear and stick to sidewalks when possible; drivers should slow down and stay alert in poorly lit zones.
In the wake of the loss, the community has rallied in grief and remembrance. On social media, friends and neighbors recall Asencio as warm, giving, and deeply cherished in her circles. Local leaders issued statements of sympathy, calling this a “deeply heartbreaking” loss and stressing how fragile life is when moments can change everything.
Investigators will continue to seek answers, including whether lighting, weather conditions, or other unseen factors played a role. As the Summerville area mourns, many hope her death not only honors her memory but also sparks renewed commitment to road safety for everyone — walkers and drivers alike.