Orangeburg County, South Carolina, August 17, 2025
News Summary
Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks of the South Carolina Highway Patrol died after being struck by a box truck during a traffic stop. His widow, Jade, made an emotional appeal to the public for road safety, urging drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles. Legal actions are being pursued for what the family describes as a preventable tragedy. Ricks’ passing has deeply affected the community and law enforcement, prompting calls for greater awareness of road safety.
Orangeburg County, South Carolina – Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks of the South Carolina Highway Patrol tragically lost his life following a traffic incident on August 10, 2023. Ricks succumbed to his injuries four days later, on August 14, after being struck by a box truck while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 26. His passing has sent ripples of sorrow through his family, his colleagues, and the wider community.
Ricks’ widow, Jade Ricks, publicly mourned her husband for the first time since his death, describing him as not only the love of her life but also a dedicated public servant. She characterized him as someone who lived to protect others and regarded marrying him as the best decision she ever made. According to Jade, Ricks was a “gentle giant” whose bravery in uniform was matched by his kindness at home. The couple cherished simple joys, such as family movie nights and exploring new restaurants, illustrating their close-knit relationship.
Thanking the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and medical teams for their efforts, Jade made a heartfelt appeal to the public, urging all drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles. She firmly stated that her husband would still be with them if all drivers practiced this crucial act of road safety.
The legal implications following Ricks’ death are beginning to take shape. The family’s attorneys, Christian Boesl and Robert Goings, are advocating for what they call “full and complete justice,” emphasizing that Ricks’ death was entirely preventable. They are exploring various criminal and civil actions, including the possibility of a wrongful death lawsuit related to the incident.
As for the legal repercussions concerning the box truck that struck Ricks, the driver, 45-year-old Anthony Aydlette, has been arrested and charged with driving under suspension. Legal representatives have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as investigations continue.
Trooper Ricks had proudly joined the South Carolina Highway Patrol after graduating in 2023 and was assigned to Troop 7, serving Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties. His tragic loss has been felt profoundly within the ranks of the Highway Patrol and the community he served. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety expressed condolences to the Ricks family, acknowledging the sorrow and hardship his passing has caused among his colleagues.
A law enforcement procession took Ricks’ body from Trident Medical Center in North Charleston to Newberry for an autopsy, after which it was transferred to Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street. Funeral arrangements have been finalized, with visitation set for Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the funeral service scheduled for Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia.
The memory of Trooper Ricks will continue to inspire road safety advocacy among drivers and law enforcement alike, encouraging everyone to honor his legacy by committing to safer roads for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Trooper Dennis Ricks?
Trooper Dennis Ricks was struck by a box truck while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 26 in Orangeburg County on August 10, 2023. He passed away from his injuries on August 14, 2023.
What does Dennis Ricks’ widow want the public to know?
Jade Ricks appeals to the public to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles, stating that such actions could have saved her husband’s life.
What legal actions are being pursued following Trooper Ricks’ death?
The Ricks family’s attorneys are pursuing full and complete justice for Trooper Ricks’ death, including a potential wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the truck involved in the accident.
What were Trooper Ricks’ contributions to law enforcement?
Trooper Ricks graduated from the South Carolina Highway Patrol academy in 2023 and served in Troop 7, covering Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 10, 2023 |
| Trooper Ricks’ Death | August 14, 2023 |
| Key Advocacy | Urging drivers to move over for emergency vehicles |
| Legal Actions | Potential wrongful death lawsuit and other criminal civil actions |
| Funeral Service | Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Shandon Baptist Church, Columbia |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Death of Trooper Dennis D. Ricks in South Carolina
South Carolina Honors Trooper Dennis Ricks in Procession
Additional Resources
- Count on 2 News
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Highway Patrol
- WIS TV
- Google Search: Trooper Dennis Ricks
- WLTX News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- WRDW News
- Google News: South Carolina Trooper Killed
- WYFF 4 News
- Trumbull Times
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