Bicyclist Killed in Hardeeville Collision Identified, Investigation Ongoing

Jasper County, SC — The Jasper County Coroner’s Office has released the identity of a bicyclist who was killed in a collision Saturday night on Church Road in Hardeeville. Coroner Willie P. Aiken confirmed that the victim, 46-year-old Jose Luna-Altamirano, died after being struck by a vehicle around 7 p.m.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Luna-Altamirano was riding his bicycle eastbound when a white Chevrolet pickup truck approached from behind and collided with him. Tragically, Luna-Altamirano was pronounced dead at the scene, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures for cyclists traveling at night.

The investigation has revealed that Luna-Altamirano’s bicycle was not equipped with lights or reflectors—features that could have increased his visibility to drivers in low-light conditions. These safety elements are critical for cyclists, especially on rural roads where lighting is limited, making them less visible to oncoming traffic.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston to provide further details on the exact cause of death. The autopsy will assist both the coroner’s office and the Highway Patrol in completing their assessment of the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The Jasper County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate this tragic incident. Authorities are working to gather information about the conditions at the time of the accident, including the driver’s speed, lighting, and visibility factors, to determine if any additional charges or preventative measures are warranted.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cyclist safety, with officials urging all cyclists to equip their bikes with proper lights and reflectors when traveling at night.