Orangeburg, SC (May 19, 2026) – A 36-year-old man was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Citadel Road in Orangeburg County on Monday, May 18, at approximately 11:15 p.m.
Bernard Washington, Jr. was walking in the westbound lane of Citadel Road near Regional Parkway when an unknown vehicle hit him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle did not stop and left the area after the collision.
No information about the striking vehicle or its driver has been released. The incident remains under active investigation, and more details will be provided as they become available.
Our sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Bernard Washington, Jr.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Fatalities in South Carolina: What People Should Know
Pedestrian fatalities involving hit-and-run drivers are a serious problem across South Carolina, particularly on roads without dedicated sidewalks or lighting. When a driver leaves the scene after striking someone, it not only delays emergency response but also makes it significantly harder to piece together what happened. Late-night hours add further risk, as reduced visibility affects both pedestrians and drivers.
Walking along roadways at night carries real danger, even on roads that may seem quiet. South Carolina law requires drivers to stop, render aid, and report any crash involving injury or death. Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is a felony offense in the state, and hit-and-run cases often rely on witness tips, surveillance footage, and vehicle debris to identify the responsible driver.
