News Summary
A tragic incident early Thursday morning in Cherokee County, South Carolina, resulted in the death of a man struck by vehicles on Interstate 85. The victim, identified as a naked individual by reports, was hit by multiple trucks shortly after drivers alerted emergency services. Authorities are investigating and seeking information regarding the circumstances leading to the incident. Safety measures on highways are being reviewed in light of the events, as the community grapples with the tragic loss.
Cherokee County, South Carolina – A tragic incident occurred early Thursday morning when a naked man was struck and killed by vehicles on the southbound lanes of Interstate 85. The event took place on July 24, around 3:25 a.m., under the Pleasant School Road bridge.
According to reports from drivers, they began calling 911 shortly after spotting the man standing naked in the roadway. The Cherokee County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the man was hit by at least two trucks approximately five minutes after the first emergency call was made. It was noted that one of the trucks involved in the incident left the scene afterward.
The man has been identified as Aris Centel Smith, a 33-year-old resident of Gaffney, South Carolina. Authorities revealed that Smith walked away from his home, located just two miles from the accident site, around 2:45 a.m. He tragically died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
Eyewitness reports suggested that Smith appeared to be between 30 and 40 years old at the time of the accident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing, with the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office actively requesting anyone with information about the incident or missing persons to come forward.
Details of the Incident
The incident unfolded shortly after 3:00 a.m., when several drivers became alarmed upon seeing the naked man in a dangerous position on the highway. The series of calls to 911 outlined the immediate concern for Smith’s well-being. Within minutes, two trucks struck him, resulting in his death.
Public Safety Concerns
This incident raised questions regarding safety measures on highways, particularly concerning pedestrians in dangerous areas. Officials from the South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that the situation is under thorough investigation, and steps will be taken to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Background Information
Interstate 85 is a major corridor traveling through several states, including South Carolina. The stretch of highway where the incident occurred is known for heavy truck traffic, particularly during early morning hours. While accidents can happen at any time, this specific incident highlights the importance of awareness and the consequences of being on the roadway without proper visibility and safety precautions.
The Cherokee County Coroner’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to Aris Smith’s presence on the highway. While authorities are working to piece together the events of that early morning, they are also reaching out to the community for any insights that could assist in their inquiry.
As the investigation progresses, it stands as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities individuals may face, as well as the need for heightened awareness and safety on busy roadways.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WYFF4
- Fox Carolina
- WPDE
- Audacy
- WSPA
- Wikipedia: Interstate 85
- Google Search: naked pedestrian accidents statistics
- Google Scholar: highway safety pedestrians
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- Google News: highway safety pedestrian issues
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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