News Summary
A serious accident on Interstate 385 in Greenville County claimed the life of a dump truck driver from North Carolina. The collision occurred late at night when a dump truck and an Audi crashed, leading to significant injuries and fatalities. The driver of the dump truck was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the Audi driver has been charged with multiple DUIs. Traffic was severely disrupted for hours after the crash, reminding the community of the need for safe driving practices.
Greenville County, South Carolina – A tragic crash on Interstate 385 in Greenville County resulted in the death of a North Carolina dump truck driver early Thursday morning, June 16. The accident occurred at approximately 11:33 p.m. on June 15, at exit 37 (Roper Mountain Road), when a dump truck collided with a white Audi, leading to significant consequences for those involved.
The driver of the dump truck was identified as David Mather Whitehead Sr., age 58, who hailed from High Point, North Carolina. Following the crash, he was rushed to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead just before 1 a.m. on June 16. Both Whitehead and a passenger from the Audi were extracted from the scene and sent to the hospital, with the latter suffering from serious injuries.
The circumstances surrounding the accident indicate that both vehicles were traveling southbound on Interstate 385 when the collision occurred. The Audi, driven by Joan Esteban Velez, age 32, was reported to have crashed into the dump truck, which resulted in the truck overturning. Following this incident, Velez faces multiple charges, including felony DUI resulting in death, felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury, and an open container violation.
In the aftermath of the crash, traffic was notably affected; the South Carolina Department of Transportation reported that southbound lanes remained closed for approximately seven hours as crews worked diligently to clear the wreckage. This disruption highlights the impact of the incident not only on those directly involved but also on local traffic flow during the late evening hours.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers promptly responded to the situation, investigating the scene to gather further details about the crash. In a separate incident, just hours earlier on Wednesday morning, another crash occurred involving a dump truck that hit the Interstate 85 overpass on White Horse Road. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this earlier accident, and crews were able to clear the vehicle from the scene without major disruptions.
The ongoing investigation into the fatal crash seeks to piece together the events leading up to the collision, assessing factors such as speed, vehicle condition, and driver impairment. An autopsy for David Mather Whitehead Sr. was scheduled to take place on June 16 as authorities aim to conduct a thorough examination to ascertain any further details regarding his death.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with driving under the influence, as law enforcement continues to advocate for responsible driving practices. As communities mourn the loss of those affected by this accident, discussions surrounding road safety and DUI regulations are likely to intensify in the days ahead.
As investigations continue, both families affected by this tragic event are left grappling with the significant emotional and physical repercussions. The impact of the crash extends beyond just the individuals involved, affecting friends, co-workers, and the broader community, highlighting a shared responsibility for roadway safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Bicyclist in South Carolina
Greenville Metro Area: South Carolina’s Real Estate Hotspot
Greenville County Investigates Man’s Death Discovered in Wooded Area
Greenville County Seeks Arrest of Armed and Dangerous Man
Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Piedmont Claims Life
Altar Spa Named Best Spa in the United States
Tragic Series of Fatal Crashes in Greenville County
Tragic Wave of Fatal Crashes in Greenville County
Traffic Disruptions on I-85 Due to Multiple Crashes
Tragic Surge in Fatal Traffic Accidents in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Dump Truck Crash on I-85
- Wikipedia: Greenville County, South Carolina
- WLOS: Dump Truck Driver Dies in Crash
- Google Search: Greenville County crash
- WSPA: 1 Dead in Crash Involving Dump Truck
- Encyclopedia Britannica: David Mather Whitehead
- MSN: Deadly Crash Involving Dump Truck
- Google News: Dump Truck Crash I-385
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
