The South Carolina Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a hit-and-run vehicle that struck a Hilton Head Island man early Saturday after the man was ejected from his pickup in a separate accident on the Cross Island Parkway.

Jimmy Hedrick, 45, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 3 a.m. accident just west of the toll booths, according to Cpl. Bob Beres of the Highway Patrol. He said Hedrick was driving in the westbound lane when his 2006 Ford Ranger veered off the right side of the road. Hedricks then over corrected and hit the median, causing the truck to overturn eight to 10 times, Beres said.

Hedrick, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected and landed in the eastbound lanes, according to Beaufort County deputy coroner David Ott.

Hedrick was then struck by a light colored car or SUV, Beres said. That driver did not stop.

The body was taken to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for an autopsy, Ott said.

The cause of the first accident is unknown and the Highway Patrol said an investigation into both incidents is ongoing.

Follow reporter Anne Christnovich at twitter.com/IPBG_CrimeNOB

Key words