September 28, 2025

Series of Fatal Traffic Incidents Leaves Two Dead in Taylors

Taylors, South Carolina, September 28, 2025

News Summary

A series of tragic traffic incidents in Taylors, South Carolina, has resulted in two deaths and several injuries. The first incident involved a collision between a Subaru SUV and a Honda, leading to the death of the Honda driver. A pedestrian directing traffic was also fatally struck by a pickup truck. Investigations are ongoing for both incidents as authorities seek to understand the circumstances behind these accidents.

Taylors, South Carolina – Series of Fatal Traffic Incidents Leaves Two Dead and Several Injured

A driver is dead and two others are injured following a crash on Friday night in Taylors, South Carolina. The incident occurred at 9:35 p.m. on Locust Road on SC 290, when a Subaru SUV traveling west was struck by a Honda 4-door that crossed the center line while heading east. The driver of the Honda, identified as Christopher Lee Waldner, 35, of Taylors, died shortly after the crash at 9:54 p.m. The Greenville County Coroner confirmed that Waldner’s cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries and categorized the manner of death as accidental. Two occupants in the Subaru SUV sustained injuries from the crash.

In addition to the accident on Friday night, another fatal incident occurred just a day earlier, on Thursday at around 5:20 p.m. A 40-year-old pedestrian, Cesar Humberto Pena, was directing traffic while wearing a reflective coat near East North Street and Terramont Drive when he was struck by a pickup truck. Pena was transported to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital but was declared dead at 7:52 p.m. The driver of the truck involved in this incident has been identified but has not yet been charged; investigations are ongoing by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.

A third tragic incident took place on Wednesday evening at 5:57 p.m., when a motorcyclist was killed in a crash involving a truck on Groce Meadow Road. The motorcyclist, identified as Jonathan Michael Rice, 43, was traveling south when he crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming vehicle. First responders found Rice unresponsive at the scene and pronounced him dead. Fortunately, the driver and passenger of the pickup truck involved were not injured.

Ongoing Investigations

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office are actively investigating both incidents to determine the circumstances surrounding these tragic events. As of now, no charges have been filed against any of the drivers involved in the reported incidents.

Background

Taylors, located in Greenville County, has been experiencing increased traffic incidents in recent years, raising concerns about road safety across the region. The recent fatal accidents have prompted discussions among local officials regarding the need for improved traffic measures and awareness programs to ensure the safety of both drivers and pedestrians.

FAQ

What incident occurred on Friday night in Taylors, South Carolina?

A driver is dead and two others are injured following a crash on Friday night. The incident occurred at 9:35 p.m. on Locust Road on SC 290, involving a Subaru SUV and a Honda 4-door that crossed the center line.

Who was the driver that died in the Friday night crash?

The driver of the Honda, identified as Christopher Lee Waldner, 35, of Taylors, died shortly after the crash at 9:54 p.m.

What happened on Thursday involving a pedestrian?

A 40-year-old pedestrian, Cesar Humberto Pena, was struck by a pickup truck while directing traffic and later died at the hospital.

Was anyone from the pickup truck involved in Cesar Humberto Pena’s incident charged?

The driver of the truck involved has been identified but has not yet been charged; investigations are ongoing.

What happened to Jonathan Michael Rice on Wednesday evening?

A motorcyclist, identified as Jonathan Michael Rice, was killed in a crash involving a truck when he crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming vehicle.

Key Features of Fatal Traffic Incidents

Date	Incident Type	Location	Casualties	Status of Investigation
Friday Night	Car Crash	Locust Road, SC 290	1 Dead (Christopher Lee Waldner), 2 Injured	Ongoing
Thursday	Pedestrian Accident	Near East North Street and Terramont Drive	1 Dead (Cesar Humberto Pena)	Ongoing
Wednesday	Motorcycle Accident	Groce Meadow Road	1 Dead (Jonathan Michael Rice)	Ongoing