22-Year-Old Man Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash in Berkeley County

A tragic accident early Saturday morning claimed the life of 22-year-old Emilio R. Hernandez, a resident of St. Stephen, South Carolina. The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Hernandez died due to injuries sustained in a single-vehicle crash on Cainhoy Road, in the Huger area near the Cooper River. Emilio Hernandez

The accident occurred around 6:30 a.m., approximately 27 miles from Charleston. According to Master Trooper Gary Miller from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Hernandez was driving a 2002 GMC Denali westbound on Cainhoy Road when his vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway near the Cedar Hill Lane intersection. The SUV overturned as it left the road, sustaining extensive damage and causing critical injuries to Hernandez.

Emergency responders quickly arrived and transported Hernandez to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell reported that his office was notified of the fatal crash by 8 a.m. Hernandez was the only occupant of the vehicle, and no other injuries were reported in connection with the accident. Authorities have not confirmed whether Hernandez was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Berkeley County Coroner’s Office are both investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the accident. Investigators are reviewing possible contributing factors, including road conditions, speed, and any mechanical issues with the vehicle.

This fatality adds to a growing number of tragic accidents on South Carolina roads this year. As of Sunday, state data from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports that 817 people have died in traffic accidents in 2024. Last year, South Carolina recorded 1,030 traffic-related deaths. Berkeley County alone has seen at least 27 fatalities from vehicle crashes this year.

With these numbers rising, the DPS continues to promote safe driving practices and urges motorists to remain cautious and responsible behind the wheel.