South Carolina Man Killed in Pickup Truck Crash

The 57-year-old died at the scene after his vehicle left the road and hit a tree.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A 57-year-old man from Batesburg, South Carolina was killed on Saturday when the pickup truck he was driving crashed into a tree. The single-vehicle collision occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Haven Road in Lexington County, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The driver, Michael Albert Temples, was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of road safety and seatbelt usage, especially in rural areas where single-vehicle accidents can be more common. It also comes amid ongoing concerns about rising traffic fatalities in South Carolina, which saw at least 914 people killed in collisions in 2025.

The details

According to the Highway Patrol, Temples was driving his 2014 Chevrolet pickup truck eastbound on Haven Road when the vehicle ran off the left side of the road, hit a ditch, and then crashed into a tree. Authorities are still investigating what caused the pickup to veer off the road in the first place.

  • The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2026.
  • Through February 8, 2026, at least 55 people had died on South Carolina roads this year.

The players

Michael Albert Temples

A 57-year-old resident of Batesburg, South Carolina who was killed in the single-vehicle crash.

Margaret Fisher

The Lexington County Coroner who confirmed Temples' death in the accident.

Lance Cpl. Nick Pye

A spokesperson for the South Carolina Highway Patrol who provided details about the crash.

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What they’re saying

“Through Feb. 8, at least 55 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2026, according to the state Department of Public Safety.”

— Lance Cpl. Nick Pye, South Carolina Highway Patrol (heraldonline.com)

What’s next

The Highway Patrol and Coroner's Office continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for increased road safety measures and seatbelt usage, especially in rural areas where single-vehicle accidents can have devastating consequences. As South Carolina grapples with rising traffic fatalities, this case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of driver vigilance and responsible behavior behind the wheel.