Pickup truck strikes pedestrian near Club Road
December 15, 2025 | Lady's Island, SC
A 33-year-old Beaufort resident, Robert Gadson, tragically lost his life in a pedestrian accident on U.S. 21 in Lady's Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina.
What Happened in the Crash?
Robert Gadson, 33, of Beaufort, died after he was struck by a 2019 Ford F-350 pickup truck on U.S. Highway 21 near Club Road on Lady’s Island.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol arrived at the scene near Club Road around 8:45 p.m. on Dec. 15. A 2019 Ford F-350 pickup truck heading south struck Gadson close to St. John's Lutheran Church. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the location, according to the Beaufort County Coroner.
Key details include:
- Victim: Robert Gadson, 33, from Beaufort
- Location: U.S. 21 near Club Road, Lady's Island, Beaufort County
- Time: Approximately 8:45 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2025
- Vehicle Involved: 2019 Ford F-350 pickup truck
- Driver Status: Remained at the scene and is assisting investigators, and no charges have been filed at this time
The Highway Patrol is actively examining factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern across U.S. roadways, with rising fatalities highlighting the need for vigilance.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian deaths reached 7,522 in 2022, the highest since 1981, representing about 17% of all traffic fatalities that year.
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
Percentage of Total Traffic Deaths |
Source |
|---|
2022 |
7,522 |
17% |
NHTSA |
2021 |
7,388 |
16% |
NHTSA |
2020 |
6,694 |
15% |
NHTSA |
This data, sourced from NHTSA reports, shows a steady increase, often linked to factors like road conditions, poor visibility, and inadequate lighting.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes with pedestrians, thorough investigations play a vital role in understanding contributing elements.
“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 in most situations.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
- Legal guidance ensures fair treatment against insurance pressures for low 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 incidents may seek damages following a tragic accident. An attorney can compassionately guide families while protecting their rights.”
Investigation Update
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances, with no immediate charges against the driver who cooperated fully. Updates will follow as more information emerges.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).