Spartanburg County, SC (February 19, 2026) – A 19-year-old high school student was found dead in the roadway after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Howard St and Simuel Rd. Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to a reported “man down” call and discovered the victim in the road. Investigators later determined the pedestrian had been hit by an unknown vehicle that left the scene.
Authorities identified the victim as Jose Morales-Diaz, a student at Dorman High School. According to officials, Morales-Diaz had been walking along Howard St when the crash occurred. The driver involved did not remain at the scene. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run and is working to gather additional information.
Key Details
- Reported: February 17 at 7:50 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of Howard St and Simuel Rd, Spartanburg County
- Incident Type: Pedestrian struck by unknown vehicle
- Victim: 19-year-old Jose Morales-Diaz, Dorman High School student
- Status: Pronounced dead at the scene
- Investigating Agency: South Carolina Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- Troopers responded to a “man down” call at Howard St and Simuel Rd.
- The victim was found in the roadway upon arrival.
- Investigators determined the pedestrian had been walking along Howard St.
- An unknown vehicle struck the victim and left the scene.
- The crash remains under investigation.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- A description of the vehicle involved.
- What direction the vehicle was traveling.
- Whether there were any witnesses to the crash.
- Additional details about the events leading up to the collision.
Local Context
The intersection of Howard St and Simuel Rd in Spartanburg County serves as a local connector for nearby neighborhoods and through traffic. Evening crashes in this area can limit visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, particularly along stretches without controlled crossings. With the South Carolina Highway Patrol leading the investigation, officers are expected to review roadway conditions and gather any available witness statements as they work to identify the vehicle involved. The hit-and-run nature of this crash has prompted investigators to seek further information that could clarify how the incident unfolded.
What to Do Next
- If you witnessed the crash, consider staying to provide a statement if it is safe to do so.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- Write down the time, location, and what you observed while the details are still fresh.
- Save any dashcam footage immediately so it is not overwritten.
FAQ
Q: Can an investigation continue after the scene is cleared?
A: Yes. Even after vehicles are removed and traffic resumes, investigators may continue reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing available footage.
Q: What are common causes of pedestrian crashes?
A: Pedestrian crashes can involve limited visibility, distracted driving, failure to yield, or situations where drivers do not see someone walking along or crossing the roadway.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means authorities are still working to determine the exact circumstances, including how the crash occurred and whether any laws were violated.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
