Hilton Head woman killed and 1 injured when truck collided with motorcycle, police say
Editor’s note: This story was updated with the most up-to-date information available Monday afternoon.
A Hilton Head woman was killed and another injured when a pick-up truck collided with the motorcycle the two were riding on U.S. 278 near Rose Hill in Bluffton Sunday afternoon, officials said.
The victim, Barbara DeWitt, 49, of Hilton Head Island, was identified Sunday night by Beaufort County Deputy Coroner Deborah Youmans.
Both DeWitt, a passenger, and the motorcycle’s driver were transported to Memorial Health hospital in Savannah, where she was pronounced dead, Lance Cpl. Matt Southern said in a recorded statement.
In the past few years, DeWitt worked security jobs at different Hilton Head neighborhoods, according to her Facebook page. Her love for motorcycles is apparent, as she frequently posted photos of herself and others riding. DeWitt also has ties to Hampton County, according to public records.
The driver remained in hospitalized with incapacitating injuries as of Monday afternoon, Southern said.
The driver of the truck was not injured, he said.
No criminal charges have been filed in the crash. The Highway Patrol’s investigation is ongoing.
The crash
Southern said a Chevrolet truck was traveling west on U.S. 278 when it drove off the left side of the road, crossed a median and struck the Harley Davidson motorcycle, which was driving east.
Traffic on U.S. 278 was rerouted for more than four hours after the 2:18 p.m. crash as a helicopter landed to transport victims and S.C. Highway Patrol investigated.
Both the motorcycle driver and DeWitt were wearing helmets, and the driver of the truck had on a seat belt, Southern said.
A helicopter landed about 2:30 p.m. to transport the injured, Sheriff’s Office Maj. Bob Bromage said Sunday.
This story was originally published March 1, 2020 at 2:50 PM.
