Profound sadness and disbelief have taken over the Columbia community as family and friends mourn the tragic loss of Donerell M. Lykes. The 36-year-old passed away following a devastating three-vehicle collision on Wednesday morning. His sudden death has left a massive hole in the hearts of those who knew him best. Loved ones are now left holding onto fond memories of a life taken far too soon.
The fatal chain of events unfolded around 6:50 a.m. at a notorious intersection in Lexington County. Lykes was driving his 2023 Kia Rio northbound on W.E. Jeffcoat Road, heading toward Highway 6 in the Swansea area. It was a typical early morning commute that turned into an absolute nightmare in a matter of seconds.
According to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher, Lykes failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection. As his compact car entered Highway 6, it was broadsided by a massive 2002 International tractor-trailer traveling eastbound. The sheer size disparity between the two vehicles made the impact incredibly violent.
The force of the initial crash was so extreme that it ejected Lykes from his vehicle. State troopers noted that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. He landed directly on the asphalt of Highway 6, severely injured and completely helpless.
Moments later, the tragedy took an even darker turn. A third vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 6 struck Lykes as he lay in the roadway. Instead of pulling over to help or calling for emergency services, the driver of that vehicle stepped on the gas and fled the area before first responders could arrive.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene as quickly as they could, but there was nothing they could do for Lykes. He had suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead right there at the intersection. Meanwhile, the driver of the tractor-trailer, which had run off the road and overturned from the impact, was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Now, an entire community is grieving while investigators search for answers. Local residents say this specific intersection has been a dangerous racetrack for years, causing countless accidents. As the South Carolina Highway Patrol Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team works the case, friends and family are simply focusing on honoring the beautiful legacy Donerell left behind.
“””
Leave a Reply