Vehicle left roadway and struck bicyclists on sidewalk at Brock Street
April 12, 2026 | Spartanburg, SC
What Happened in the Crash?
Dereon James Robins, 12, and a 9-year-old boy died after a vehicle struck them on a sidewalk while they were riding bicycles in Spartanburg County.
A devastating incident unfolded in Spartanburg County when a 2016 Honda Accord veered off the road and struck two young boys riding bicycles on the sidewalk. The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) reported the crash occurred at the intersection of Asheville Highway and Brock Street around 12:20 p.m. on April 12.
- Date and Time: April 12, approximately 12:20 p.m.
- Location: Asheville Highway and Brock Street, Spartanburg, SC
- Vehicle Involved: 2016 Honda Accord
- Victims: 12-year-old Dereon James Robins and a 9-year-old companion
- Outcome: Both children suffered critical injuries and later died at the hospital
- Driver Condition: Signs of severe intoxication, driver unable to stand at the scene
The driver now faces felony DUI resulting in death, driving without a license, and open container charges. Bond was denied by a judge the following day. Authorities are searching for an unidentified passenger who fled the scene, with an ICE detainer requested for the suspect.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of preventable tragedies on roadways. According to the National Safety Council, alcohol, drugs, or medications contribute to 10% of fatal automobile accidents nationwide, making it the second-leading cause of such deaths.
Cause of Fatal Crashes |
Percentage |
Source |
|---|
DUI (Alcohol/Drugs/Medications) |
10% |
National Safety Council |
Distracted Driving |
8% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Speeding |
26% |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Failure to Yield |
22% |
Federal Highway Administration |
This table highlights key factors in roadway fatalities, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and awareness.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the severe consequences of impaired driving in motor vehicle crashes. Insights focus on broader implications for accountability and victim support.
"Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents causing harm or death. Beyond criminal penalties, families may pursue civil compensation from the at-fault party," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from such cases:
- Impaired operation endangers all road users and can lead to lifelong devastation.
- Criminal charges like felony DUI are standard when fatalities occur.
- Civil actions allow families to seek remedies for losses, including emotional distress.
"The grief following a loved one's death in a crash is immense. Protecting rights through legal guidance is essential during investigations," said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
In incidents involving wrongful death, families may claim damages for companionship loss, pain, and suffering. Analysts stress staying informed on official investigations to safeguard interests.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).