Beaufort, SC (February 2, 2026) – Authorities are investigating a serious incident in which two women were struck by a pickup truck while sledding in the Shell Point area of Beaufort County. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Shell Point Rd near Broad River Dr. Troopers said a 2022 Ram pickup truck traveling eastbound struck two pedestrians and fled the scene. A witness told officials the women had been sledding on a plastic container lid while being towed by another vehicle. When that vehicle turned to circle back, the women were left momentarily in the roadway, where they were hit. Authorities later identified and arrested 46-year-old Richard Quinn Davidson of Beaufort. He faces charges of felony DUI and hit-and-run resulting in great bodily injury.
Key Details
- Location: Beaufort, SC
- Where: Shell Point Rd near Broad River Dr
- Type: Two Women Struck by Vehicle While Sledding on Shell Point Rd
- Reported: February 1
- Injuries: Confirmed
- Responding Agency: South Carolina Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- Two women were struck while sledding on Shell Point Rd around 8:00 p.m.
- A 2022 Ram pickup traveling eastbound left the scene after the collision.
- The victims had been towed behind another vehicle and were briefly left alone in the road.
- The driver, Richard Quinn Davidson, was arrested and charged with DUI and hit-and-run.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The current medical condition of the two women has not been publicly released.
- Whether any additional charges may be filed against the involved parties remains unknown.
- It is unclear how long the victims were in the roadway before the truck approached.
- Further details regarding how authorities located the driver have not been shared.
Local Context
Shell Point Rd runs through a residential stretch of Beaufort County near Broad River Dr, where activities like recreational towing or sledding may take place during colder months. The crash occurred around 8 p.m., when visibility may have been reduced. Witness accounts described a unique situation in which the two women were being pulled behind a vehicle on a plastic lid, but were briefly left alone in the road while that vehicle circled back. Shortly afterward, the approaching Ram pickup struck them and fled the scene. Troopers from the South Carolina Highway Patrol quickly initiated an investigation and located the driver within hours. Charges were filed, and the suspect was booked and later released from the Beaufort County Detention Center.
What to Do Next
- If you witnessed the crash, consider staying to provide a statement if it is safe to do so.
- Write down the time, location, and what you observed while the details are still fresh.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
FAQ
Q: Why are details sometimes limited right after a crash?
A: In the early stages, officials prioritize medical care and securing the scene. Public updates follow once facts are confirmed and reports are prepared.
Q: What are common causes of pedestrian accidents?
A: Pedestrian incidents often result from low visibility, distracted driving, failure to yield, or unusual circumstances like road obstructions or unsafe activities.
Q: Can an investigation continue after the scene is cleared?
A: Yes. Investigations often continue for days or weeks as authorities collect statements, review evidence, and determine appropriate charges or actions.
