News Summary
A driver in Greenville, South Carolina has been charged with felony DUI following a fatal collision on I-385. The crash involved a white Audi and a dump truck, resulting in the death of a 58-year-old dump truck driver and injuries to other occupants. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident while emphasizing the dangers of impaired driving.
Greenville, South Carolina – Driver Charged with Felony DUI After Fatal Crash on I-385
A driver has been charged with felony DUI following a deadly crash on I-385 in Greenville, South Carolina. The incident, which resulted in one fatality, took place around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday at the intersection of I-385 southbound and Roper Mountain Road.
Officers responding to the scene discovered a white Audi and a dump truck involved in the collision. The Audi contained two passengers, while the dump truck had one occupant. All three individuals were transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. Unfortunately, the coroner’s office later confirmed that David Mather Whitehead Sr., a 58-year-old dump truck driver from High Point, North Carolina, died at the hospital shortly before 1 a.m. Monday.
The investigation into the crash revealed that the white Audi collided with the dump truck, causing the larger vehicle to overturn, which resulted in the ejection of the dump truck driver.
Injuries and Hospitalization
The passenger in the Audi sustained serious injuries from the collision and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The conditions of the other individuals involved in the crash have not been released.
Charges Filed Against the Driver
Joan Esteban Velez, a 32-year-old driver of the Audi, has been identified as the individual charged in connection with the incident. The charges against Velez include:
- Felony DUI resulting in death
- Felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury
- Open container law violation
As of 11 a.m. Monday, accident reconstruction teams were still actively investigating the crash site, gathering evidence to piece together the events leading to the incident.
Background Information
This recent incident underscores the ongoing concerns regarding vehicle safety and the dangers of driving under the influence. DUI offenses can lead to severe legal consequences, including felony charges when injuries or fatalities occur. South Carolina law imposes strict penalties for such actions, which often include significant fines and potential prison time, reflecting the seriousness of maintaining public road safety.
Authorities emphasize the importance of responsible driving and the severe repercussions of impaired driving, hoping to deter further incidents of this nature in the future.
The ongoing investigation is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, with local law enforcement continuing to monitor the situation closely.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Greenville Interstate Fatal DUI Charge
- Wikipedia: Driving under the influence
- WSPA: 1 Dead in Crash Involving Dump Truck on I-385
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Greenville Online: Greenville Man Charged with Felony DUI
- Google Search: Driving Under the Influence Statistics
- Fox Carolina: Four Killed in New Year’s Eve Crash
- Google News: DUI Crash Greenville
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.
