Spartanburg County, SC (March 18, 2026) – Police have revealed that a late-night crash in Spartanburg County left an 8-year-old girl dead and four others injured on Saturday, March 14.
Reports show a 2006 Mazda sedan was traveling around 10 p.m. when it failed to stop at a stop sign. The car then veered off the right side of the road, entered an open field, and struck several trees before hitting an embankment. No other vehicles were involved.
Officials said five passengers were inside the car at the time. The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office identified on Tuesday 17 that the child who died at the scene was 8-year-old Jaylin Simpson, the daughter of the driver. Four others were hurt and taken to Spartanburg Regional Hospital.
Three of the injured passengers were children, ages 9, 8, and 6. Authorities also said an adult man suffered severe injuries, resulting in the loss of his arm. The driver, Jacosha Simpson, is facing multiple charges, including felony DUI and child endangerment.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
What Happens When a Vehicle Leaves the Road and Hits Trees or Embankments?
When a vehicle leaves the roadway, the chance of serious injury rises sharply. Fixed objects like trees and embankments do not move on impact, which can lead to sudden and severe force inside the vehicle.
In many cases, these crashes happen after a driver loses control, misses a traffic sign, or drifts off the road. The angle and speed of impact can affect how much damage occurs and how badly people are hurt.
Safety measures such as seat belts and proper child restraints can help reduce harm. Roadside design, including clear zones and barriers, may also help lower the risk of severe outcomes when a vehicle leaves the road.
