News Summary
A devastating two-vehicle collision in Darlington County on Friday evening claimed the lives of Ronnie Gilbert, 59, and his daughter Ronnisha, 27. The accident at the intersection of S.C. 151 and Bethel Road shocked the local community as they mourn the loss of the beloved pair. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with concerns rising about road safety as fatalities continue to increase across South Carolina.
Tragic Accident in Darlington County Claims Father and Daughter
Darlington County was shaken by a heartbreaking accident on Friday evening, taking the lives of a father and daughter in a tragic two-vehicle collision. The incident took place around 6:20 p.m. at the intersection of S.C. 151 and Bethel Road, a location known to many in the area.
The Incident: A Collision at Dusk
Details regarding the crash indicate that a 2024 Ford F-650 pickup truck was traveling east on S.C. 151 when it collided with a 2022 Nissan Sentra heading northbound on Bethel Road. The force of the impact was severe, leaving the community in shock and mourning for those lost.
Located roughly 7 miles from the renowned Darlington Raceway, the intersection where this accident occurred has now been marked by a tragedy that will affect many.
Victims Remembered
Inside the Nissan Sentra were Ronnie Gilbert, age 59, and his 27-year-old daughter Ronnisha Gilbert, both residents of Hartsville. Tragically, both individuals perished at the scene. As family and friends try to come to terms with the shocking loss, there are waves of sorrow throughout the community as they remember Ronnie and Ronnisha’s lives.
Driver of the Pickup Truck Taken to Hospital
The driver of the Ford pickup truck, the lone occupant of that vehicle, was injured in the collision and was transported to a nearby hospital. However, details about their condition remain uncertain at this time. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash continues, leaving many unanswered questions.
In an alarming trend, this devastating incident adds to the increasing toll of fatalities on South Carolina’s roads. As of February 23, 2025, more than 92 people have lost their lives in accidents across the state in less than two months. For context, a total of 948 individuals were reported dead due to crashes in South Carolina throughout 2024.
A Closer Look at Darlington County
Sadly, Darlington County has not been immune to this heartbreaking epidemic. With at least six roadway fatalities already reported in 2025, this community has seen too much loss to accidents on its roads. In 2024, the county experienced a total of 20 fatalities, emphasizing the urgent need for safety awareness among drivers and passengers alike.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the incident, but it remains to be seen whether or not the inquiry is still ongoing. Questions linger about whether seat belts were being used by those in the Nissan Sentra, which could have made a difference in this tragic outcome.
The loss of Ronnie and Ronnisha Gilbert serves as a painful reminder for everyone – road safety is a critical issue that affects communities across the state. As loved ones gather to support each other in the face of this unspeakable tragedy, many are looking toward the future with a renewed commitment to safe driving practices.
Community Impact and Outlook
As the Glenville community and the greater Hartsville area mourn the loss of the Gilberts, information will continue to develop regarding the investigation. Local authorities will likely release further details in the coming days.
In moments like these, it becomes important for communities to come together, support one another, and prioritize safety measures that protect lives. With every passing day, we hope to see positive changes on the roads that keep our families safe and prevent tragic accidents like this one from happening again.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WPDE: One Dead in Darlington Crash
- WMBF: 2 Dead After Darlington County Crash
- The State: Traffic Incident Report
- WBTW: 1 Killed, 1 Hurt in Darlington County Crash
- WMBF: 1 Killed, 4 Hurt in Darlington County Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Google Search: Darlington County Crash
- Google Scholar: Road Safety South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile
- Google News: Darlington County Accident
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University 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 Myrtle Beach Area 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.
