Update: Coroner Identifies Driver in Fatal Motorcycle Accident
The incident happened early Saturday morning.
Update, 1:03 p.m.: The Lexington County Coroner's Office has released the name of the driver killed in a motorcycle accident early Saturday morning.
Jerry Wayne Milligan, 56, of Gaston, was driving his 1997 Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on Woodcrest Lane, when he failed to stop at a stop sign at Woodcrest and Fish Hatchery Road, and collided with several trees, Coroner Harry Harman said in a coroner's office release.
Milligan was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced at the scene from the injuries he received in the accident, according to the news release.
The accident remains under investigation by the Lexington County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Original, 9:30 a.m.: The driver of a 1997 Harley Davidson was not wearing a helmet when his motorcycle collided with a tree early Saturday morning in Lexington County, according to the Department of Public Safety spokesperson.
He died as a result of his injuries.
He allegedly disregarded a stop sign and collided with a tree on the other side of an intersection.
The incident occured at the intersection of Woodcrest Lane and Fish Hatchery Road.
This accident is still under investigation.
Stay with Patch for updates on this story.
Tom Agna
10:40 am on Saturday, August 18, 2012
The driver of a 1997 Harley Davidson was not wearing a helmet when his motorcycle collided with a tree. What is the point in stating that driver was not wearing a helmet? had the driver been drinking, did a deer or car run in front of him. why not answer some of these questions instead of the above, sounds like you are saying because driver was not wearing a helmet it caused the crash, get up off your butt and do some actual reporting of the facts not just somthing to get attention so you can sell some more adds and or commercials.
Have a nice day and make sure you wear a helmet to ensure you don't cause any crash's.
Yours truly,
A SC biker
laura
11:58 am on Saturday, August 18, 2012
I agree with your comments.
Condolences to the family on their loss.
Not wearing a helmet did not stop my hand from getting crushed and bike getting totaled when an UNINSURED DRIVER TEXTING hit me from behind as I sat at a stop light. It also didn't stop me from getting another HD and no I still don't wear a helmet when riding in SC.
She showed a bogus insurance card to City of Columbia police and was allowed to drive off. I didn't have that option thanks to her.
Crack down on the TEXTING while DRIVING. That puts everyone at risk.
Have a great day.
a SC biker
Shireese Bell
1:26 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2012
I'm not trying to start a debate but I don't think she was trying to say "because driver was not wearing a helmet it caused the crash ..."
The coroner's office said the driver "failed to stop at a stop sign at Woodcrest and Fish Hatchery Road, and collided with several trees."
Some people do want to know whether someone was wearing a helmet if it was a motorcycle accident, a life jacket if it was a boating accident or a seatbelt if it was a car accident. It's one of the first questions some people ask when a story is posted and it doesn't include that information.
Mark Mills
11:03 am on Saturday, August 18, 2012
I don't think the statement that "was not wearing a seat belt" is any different than the usual statement on whether or not a car driver was wearing a seat belt.For the record I support the freedom of choice to wear a helmet but lost someone special due to a motorcycle crash with the fatality directly related to the lack of a helmet.
SC Mom
11:20 am on Saturday, August 18, 2012
Did anyone question that maybe the rain last night could have been a factor?? I find it poor reporting that it all has to be blamed on the lack of a helmet! Don't start reporting on something this tragic unless all facts have been confirmed!
Karen H.
3:57 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2012
It is normal in a report of an accident to note whether the driver of a motorcycle was wearing a helmet or not. It is part of the description of the event. Nothing in the article states that that is why the driver died.
Chris Winston
4:03 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2012
Thanks for the comments.
It's obvious that Jessie is not suggesting the lack of helmet caused the crash. At the same time, wearing a helmet (as well as a seat belt) has proven to prevent deaths.
In fact, billboards across the state (put up by the Department of Public Safety) urge motorcyclists to wear helmets despite the fact that lawmakers have declined to pass any bills requiring it.
I would be interested in knowing why the DPS hasn't pushed lawmakers to make a bill — and save lives.
eula
2:57 am on Monday, August 20, 2012
How does failing to stop at a stop sign cause a person to collide with trees?