Tragic Beach Accident Claims Life of Myrtle Beach Community Member

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Sandy Schultz-Peters, a 66-year-old community member, was tragically killed on June 13, 2024, after being struck by an Horry County beach patrol vehicle. The incident occurred at the Nash Street beach access, located between Springmaid Pier and Myrtle Beach State Park, while Schultz-Peters was sitting in her chair. Following an investigation, authorities ruled her death an accident.

Schultz-Peters was known for her caring nature and outgoing personality, often engaging in community activities such as book clubs and knitting groups. She was also a devoted companion to her dog, Sophie, reflecting her deep connections with both her family and community. Her brother has expressed that her absence is deeply felt, underscoring that her warmth and kindness made others feel valued and supported.

In the wake of this tragedy, local lawmakers are taking action to improve beach safety by advocating for new legislation. Specifically, State Representative William Bailey has proposed a bill aimed at banning full-size vehicles from the beach during peak hours, specifically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., from May 1 to October 1. The bill allows for some exceptions, primarily in emergency situations. Should the legislation pass, only all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, and similar smaller vehicles would be permitted on the beach during high-tourism times, with penalties for non-compliance.

The Schultz-Peters family has embraced this legislative push, referring to the proposal as “Safe Sands for Sandy,” aiming to prevent further accidents. In the specifics of the recent incident, the beach officer involved had been with Horry County since 1988, responsible for beach safety policies. Just prior to the incident, he was making a call to the National Weather Service when he inadvertently struck Schultz-Peters after a brief delay.

Investigations into the accident revealed that while the officer was not distracted by any electronic devices, inattention was still a key contributing factor. Following the fatal incident, Horry County Police announced they would reduce the use of trucks on the beach and increase foot and ATV patrols to enhance safety measures.

The family further highlighted Sandy’s remarkable career as a nurse practitioner, emphasizing her passion for working with children and her dedication to her profession. The loss of Schultz-Peters not only affects her loved ones but also the entire community, where she was known for her commitment to helping others and her strong affiliation with her Catholic faith. Although she lived alone, her ties with family and friends remained strong.

Tony Schultz stresses the importance of remembering his sister’s impact and hopes that the proposed bill secures a safer future for all beachgoers. The measures being put forth aim to honor her memory while ensuring that similar tragedies do not occur again.

As the local community rallies around these safety efforts, there is a collective hope that the newly proposed legislation will pave the way for better regulations regarding vehicle usage on the beach to enhance safety measures.

These discussions reflect a growing commitment to community safety, as the family continues to work closely with lawmakers to drive these changes forward, ensuring that Sandy Schultz-Peters’ legacy lives on through their advocacy for safer beach practices.