June 27, 2025

Pedestrian Killed in Tragic Interstate 26 Accident

News Summary

A tragic accident on Interstate 26 has led to the death of a 41-year-old pedestrian, Mary Lynn Carter, from Clinton. The collision occurred when a Ford SUV veered off the road and struck Carter, who was standing on the shoulder. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, urging witnesses to come forward. This incident has renewed concerns about pedestrian safety on busy highways, prompting discussions about improving safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Spartanburg County – A tragic accident on Interstate 26 has resulted in the death of a pedestrian identified as 41-year-old Mary Lynn Carter from Clinton. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 26, 2025, shortly before 5:30 p.m., leading to an ongoing investigation by the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The collision happened around 5:20 p.m. when a Ford SUV veered off the right side of the interstate and struck Carter, who was reportedly standing on the shoulder of I-26 eastbound near Exit 26. Emergency responders declared Carter dead at the scene, and her time of death has been recorded as approximately 6:20 p.m. A forensic examination for Carter is scheduled for Friday, which will help to determine further details surrounding her death.

As authorities continue to investigate the crash, additional attention is drawn to a second accident that occurred on the same stretch of highway near Exit 22 at a similar time. This secondary incident temporarily blocked all lanes of traffic on I-26 East, causing significant delays for motorists. Fortunately, the lanes affected by the second crash have since reopened.

The investigation into the circumstances of the crashes is ongoing, with officials working diligently to gather information and understand what led to the tragic event. They are urging anyone with potential information about the incidents to come forward to assist in their inquiries.

Crashes involving pedestrians often evoke concerns regarding road safety, particularly on busy highways like I-26. In South Carolina, traffic laws are designed to protect both drivers and pedestrians, yet these types of accidents continue to pose a threat. Previous reports indicate a steady number of pedestrian fatalities in the state, highlighting the critical need for increased awareness and better safety measures while near vehicular traffic.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has previously conducted initiatives aimed at improving pedestrian safety, including public education campaigns on the importance of visibility, crossing at designated areas, and remaining vigilant while near roadways. As investigations unfold, authorities stress the importance of following safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.

Community members in Spartanburg County are encouraged to stay informed about road safety, especially as investigations into pedestrian accidents occur. As more information becomes available regarding the investigation into Mary Lynn Carter’s death and the related traffic incidents, updates will be shared by local agencies.

For now, local authorities are continuing their work on both crashes, focusing on gathering evidence, analyzing traffic patterns and, if applicable, understanding driver behavior at the time of the incidents. They reaffirm their commitment to ensuring safer roadways for all users, whether on foot or in vehicles.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton 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 Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). 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 Clinton 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.

STAFF HERE CLINTON

The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton 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 Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). 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 Clinton 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.