ANDERSON, Anderson County, S.C., Oct. 4, 2026 — A 62-year-old man died on Saturday night, October 3, after a vehicle struck him while he was walking along South McDuffie Street in Anderson. The driver did not stop, according to the Anderson County Coroner's Office.
The Anderson County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Robert Anthony Tucker, 62.
Responding crews found Tucker dead at the scene, the coroner's office said. Investigators said he was walking along South McDuffie Street when a vehicle hit him and then left without stopping.
The coroner's office said Tucker died of multiple traumatic injuries and ruled his death accidental. An autopsy has been scheduled as part of the continuing investigation.
The Anderson County Office of the Coroner, the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Highway Patrol's MAIT team are investigating. No arrests or vehicle description has been released as of this writing.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
When Pedestrian Crashes Happen After Dark in Anderson
Most fatal pedestrian crashes cluster in the evening and nighttime hours, when streetlights are the only source of illumination and drivers have far less time to spot someone on foot. A person walking along a roadside at night may not become visible to an approaching driver until the vehicle is only a few seconds away, too late to stop safely.
Weekend nights add other factors. Traffic includes more drivers returning from social outings, some impaired, and more pedestrians walking along roads without sidewalks or marked crossings. Fatigue also plays a role, both for drivers who have been on the road for hours and for pedestrians less visible in dark clothing.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 84 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023. That concentration reflects the mix of foot traffic, intersections and nighttime driving that comes with denser streets, the same conditions present on many roads running through small and mid-sized cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
Most occur in urban and suburban areas, often along roads with higher traffic volume, limited lighting, or few marked crosswalks.
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and higher rates of impaired driving all contribute to a higher share of pedestrian deaths after dark.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
If possible, call 911 immediately, stay at the scene, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some injuries do not show symptoms right away.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers and pedestrians both share responsibility for watching for one another, especially at night.
What to Do After a Hit-And-Run Pedestrian Crash in Anderson, SC
Anyone who witnesses a hit-and-run crash should call 911 right away and try to note details about the vehicle, such as color, direction of travel, or any part of the license plate. Even partial information can help investigators.
Pedestrians involved in a crash, or family members handling the aftermath, should request a copy of the official report from the investigating agency once it becomes available. Medical follow-up matters even when injuries aren't immediately obvious, and documentation from a hospital visit can be important later.
Anyone with information about the vehicle involved in this case is encouraged to contact the Anderson County Sheriff's Office or the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
