Late Saturday evening in the quiet stretch of Lugoff, South Carolina, the life of 46-year-old Stacey Shavone Anderson was tragically and suddenly cut short. The call came in around 9:40 p.m., October 18, reporting a pedestrian struck near the intersection of Highway 601 and Porter Cross Road. Emergency crews arrived to find Anderson unresponsive at the scene. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead there.
Authorities say the driver responsible fled the scene before help could arrive. Investigators from the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) and the Kershaw County Coroner’s Office have since launched a full investigation, working to identify the vehicle and the person behind the wheel.
The SCHP’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) has been assigned to the case. They will comb through evidence such as tire marks and vehicle debris, and are reviewing footage from nearby cameras and businesses in hopes of finding a lead. The coroner’s office confirmed an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
In the days following the crash, the Lugoff community has been left stunned and grieving. Anderson, often described by neighbours and friends as warm-hearted and caring, was a familiar face in the neighbourhood—a mother, friend, and reliable presence. Her sudden passing has shocked those who knew her and deeply stirred concern over pedestrian safety in the area.
Local officials are now turning a spotlight on the stretch of Highway 601 near Porter Cross Road, which residents say is dimly lit and has had past incidents involving pedestrians. The crash has prompted renewed calls for the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to review lighting, signage and cross-walk safety in the corridor.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have seen a suspicious vehicle or unusual movement in that area around the time of the accident to come forward. Tips, even small ones, could be crucial—they can call the SCHP at 803-572-8435 or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
As the investigation continues, the community’s hope is that justice will come for Stacey’s family, and that her death will serve as a catalyst for safer walking environments in Lugoff. In the meantime, her loss is felt deeply—and the void she leaves behind reminds us how quickly life can change forever.