An 83-year-old Kershaw woman was killed Tuesday night after a driver hit her and took off on U.S. Highway 521 near Pine Ridge Drive in Lancaster County. Emergency crews airlifted the victim to Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, where she was later pronounced dead. The driver has not been identified.
Troopers were called out just before 9 p.m. after a southbound vehicle struck a person who was trying to cross U.S. 521 near Pine Ridge Drive, according to WSOC. The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the driver left the scene, and investigators are working to track down any witnesses or surveillance footage that might show the vehicle.
The Lancaster County coroner identified the victim as 83-year-old Cresteen Miller. Emergency crews flew her to Prisma Health Richland Hospital, where she later died from her injuries, according to WCNC. Officials have not released further details about what led up to the collision.
Investigation and tips
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the crash along with the Lancaster County coroner's office, and no suspect has been named so far, according to WCNC. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has surveillance or dash-camera footage from the area to contact investigators. Local law enforcement has stressed that any lead could help identify the vehicle involved.
What the law says
Under South Carolina law, drivers involved in crashes that cause serious injury or death are required to stop, provide aid and share their identification. Leaving the scene of a collision that results in death or great bodily injury can be charged as a felony under the South Carolina Code, and can bring prison time and license penalties.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lancaster County coroner's office or the South Carolina Highway Patrol post that covers Lancaster County, according to the reports. This story will be updated as investigators release more details.
