News Summary
A tragic accident took place on Interstate 385 South, leaving a dump truck driver dead and others hospitalized. The driver, David Mather Whitehead Sr., was involved in a collision with a white Audi, resulting in serious injuries and charges against the Audi driver. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Greenville County, South Carolina – A deadly crash on Interstate 385 South late on June 15, 2023, resulted in the death of a dump truck driver, identified as 58-year-old David Mather Whitehead Sr. from High Point, North Carolina. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. near the Roper Mountain Road exit, sparking an investigation by local authorities.
The Greenville Police Department responded to a 911 call at 11:33 p.m., dispatching officers to the scene of the accident. Upon their arrival, officers discovered that the crash involved two vehicles: a dump truck and a white Audi, both traveling southbound on the interstate. The Audi had two passengers on board, while one passenger accompanied the dump truck driver.
Emergency responders transported all individuals involved in the collision to Greenville Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. Unfortunately, Whitehead was pronounced dead at the hospital at 12:42 a.m. on June 16, 2023, following the crash. The passenger in the Audi sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized as of the latest reports.
The preliminary investigation into the crash revealed that the white Audi struck the dump truck, which caused the larger vehicle to overturn, leading to the driver being ejected from the cab. The driver of the Audi, identified as Joan Esteban Velez, a 32-year-old individual, has been charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Felony DUI resulting in death
- Felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury
- Open container violation
An autopsy for David Mather Whitehead Sr. was scheduled for June 16 to determine further details surrounding his death. As the investigation continues, authorities are looking into the exact circumstances of the crash and whether any additional factors contributed to the fatal outcome.
Interstate 385 is a major transportation route in Greenville County, and incidents like this raise concerns about traffic safety for all drivers. The emotional impact of such tragic accidents reverberates through the community, reminding residents of the importance of safe driving practices and the consequences of impaired driving.
The ongoing investigation by the Greenville Police Department aims to gather more evidence and provide clarity regarding the events leading to the crash. As information becomes available, updates are expected to follow, ensuring the community remains informed about this tragic incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Driver Charged with Felony DUI After Fatal Crash on I-385
Traffic Disruptions on I-85 South in Greenville County
Multiple Vehicle Crashes Disrupt Traffic on I-385 in Greenville County
Fatal I-385 Crash Leads to Arrests of Multiple Suspects
Tragic Crash in Laurens Leads to Nine Arrests
Heartbreaking Tragedy on I-385 Claims Mother and Unborn Child
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Deadly Crash on Major Upstate Roadway
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- WSPA: 1 Dead in Crash Involving Dump Truck on I-385
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile
- WYFF4: Dump Truck Driver Killed in I-385 Crash
- Google Search: I-385 crash Greenville
- WYFF4: Greenville Interstate Fatal DUI Charge
