CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — For much of the day Monday, South Carolina state troopers blocked one lane of Interstate 77 northbound to investigate a deadly hit-and-run crash.
It happened at 3:45 a.m. on a rural stretch of I-77 at the 59 mile marker.
Troopers said Chris Pringle, 36, of Orangeburg lost control of a Ford Explorer after a large truck, possibly an 18-wheeler, struck him from behind. He was wearing a seat belt and was taken to Carolinas Medical Center.
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His passenger, 49-year-old Flora Ellenburg, of Salisbury died at the scene. She was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the SUV.
Troopers said whoever was driving the tractor trailer, didn't stop.
"At this point we are working for the family of the victim. They deserve closure. They deserve answers," said Trooper Gary Miller.
The overturned SUV remained in the interstate median all day as troopers took measurements to learn what they could about the deadly hit and run.
The Highway Patrol released a flyer showing purple pieces of a tractor trailer front bumper found at the scene. Those pieces match the purple paint found on the back of the white explorer. Troopers hope someone will spot the damaged 18-wheeler and call them.
"That’s one reason we're going out through social media, trying to get the information out through y'all as many ways as we possibly can," Miller said.
It's not clear at this time who was at fault in the crash, but the truck driver had a duty to stop and give aid.
Troopers said that truck should have front left bumper damage, and possibly damage to the wheel well also, and several amber lights should be missing a plastic cover.
Investigators would not comment about other witnesses who might have also stopped, and what they reported seeing.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 888-CRIME-SC.
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