Donnie Todd killed in pedestrian accident near Laurens Road

Southbound vehicle strikes man standing along Interstate 85

January 10, 2026 | Greenville, SC

A 69-year-old man from Union County lost his life after being hit by a vehicle on Interstate 85 southbound lanes near Exit 48.

Donnie Bisco Todd, 69, of Union County, was killed when a southbound vehicle struck him in the southbound lanes of Interstate 85 near the Exit 48 ramp to Laurens Road.

What Happened in the Crash?

Authorities reported that Donnie Bisco Todd was standing along the highway when a southbound vehicle struck him around 7 p.m. on Jan. 10. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office pronounced him dead at the scene at 7:11 p.m. Multiple 911 calls alerted responders to a pedestrian in the roadway just before the Laurens Road ramp.

The driver stayed at the scene and is assisting investigators. No charges are filed yet, as the Greenville Police Department investigates why Todd was on the interstate.

• Victim: Donnie Bisco Todd, 69, of Union
• Location: Interstate 85 southbound, near Exit 48, Greenville, SC
• Time: Approximately 7 p.m. on Jan. 10
• Responders: Greenville Police Department and Coroner’s Office
• Status: Driver cooperating, and investigation ongoing

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Pedestrian incidents on interstates highlight risks from high-speed traffic and limited safe zones. Factors such as poor visibility, road conditions, and unexpected presence in travel lanes often contribute.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian deaths reached 7,522 in 2022, the highest since 1981, making up 17% of all traffic fatalities.

This table shows the rising trend in pedestrian risks on U.S. roads, sourced from NHTSA reports.

Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes

In cases such as this involving motor vehicle incidents with pedestrians, national legal analysts emphasize thorough investigations to determine liability.

“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”

Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians, a core duty in shared roadway spaces.
• Families may pursue claims for lost income, companionship, emotional distress, and funeral costs.
• Experience guidance helps navigate insurance pressures for fair settlements.

“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of those affected by such tragedies may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress. An advocate can compassionately guide families while protecting their rights and ensuring fair compensation.”

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