News Summary
A heartbreaking weekend on Newberry County roads led to the deaths of two individuals in separate vehicle accidents. A resident of Winnsboro lost control of her vehicle, tragically succumbing to her injuries at the scene. A young man driving a Ford Mustang was also pronounced dead after his vehicle flipped during a crash. Authorities are investigating these incidents amid rising concerns about road safety in the area. Communities are urged to practice cautious driving to prevent further tragedies.
Newberry County, S.C. – A tragic weekend on the roads of Newberry County has resulted in the deaths of two individuals following separate vehicle collisions. Authorities are currently investigating these incidents, which took place on Saturday and early Sunday morning, with another unrelated fatality reported earlier in the week.
The first accident occurred on Saturday night around 11 p.m. in the 300 block of St. Philips Church Road. The Newberry County Coroner, Laura Kneece, identified the victim as Marisela Gaither, a 48-year-old resident of Winnsboro. Gaither was driving a 2022 Honda sedan as she lost control of her vehicle. According to preliminary reports, she veered off the right side of the road, struck a mailbox, then crossed to the left side, hitting a wooden post, an embankment, and ultimately colliding with a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and an autopsy has been scheduled for this week to determine the exact cause of death.
Simultaneously, separate investigations are underway following another deadly crash on Sunday morning around 6:40 a.m. on S.C. Highway 56, near Davenport Farm Lane. 22-year-old Christopher Walker of Cross Hill was driving a 2024 Ford Mustang when he reportedly ran off the left side of the road, struck a ditch, and then flipped his vehicle. He was also the sole occupant and was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the details surrounding this incident.
Additionally, Rewind to earlier in the week, on Wednesday at approximately 6:10 p.m., another fatal accident occurred on Wilson Road near Wise Street, where a driver of a 2019 Hyundai struck and killed a pedestrian. The details surrounding the pedestrian’s identity and the circumstances of this incident remain under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The increasing number of fatal collisions on Newberry County roads has raised concerns about road safety. Over recent months, there has been a noticeable uptick in serious accidents prompting calls for enhanced safety measures. Law enforcement agencies and community leaders are emphasizing the need for greater awareness about the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of adhering to road safety regulations.
As investigations continue, officials encourage anyone with information regarding these incidents to come forward. It is yet uncertain whether speed or other factors played a role in the accidents, but the ongoing inquiries aim to shed light on these tragic events, which have affected the local community.
Motorists and local residents are urged to exercise caution and practice safe driving habits to prevent future tragedies on Newberry County roads. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, while offering support and resources for those impacted by these unfortunate accidents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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One Person Dies in Car Crash in Newberry County
Tragic Surge in Fatal Traffic Accidents in South Carolina
Tragic Accident Involving Fire Truck Claims Life
Tragic Week of Fatal Accidents in South Carolina
Tragic Single-Vehicle Crash Claims the Life of 27-Year-Old
Fatal Crash on Bush River Road Claims Life of 27-Year-Old Driver
Bridge Closures Impacting Traffic in Newberry County
Tragic Accident Claims Life in Newberry, SC
Tragic Fatal Accidents Rock South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Newberry County crashes
- WACH News
- Google Scholar: Road Safety Accidents
- WLTX Traffic News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- WIS News
- Google News: Newberry County car accidents

Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.


