SC Highway Patrol Trooper Dennis Ricks Dies After Being Hit During I-26 Traffic Stop

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper has died from injuries sustained during a Sunday morning traffic stop on Interstate 26, when a box truck struck his patrol vehicle in the early hours.

Trooper’s Vehicle Struck on the Shoulder

Trooper Dennis D. Ricks, a member of the South Carolina Highway Patrol since September 2023, was conducting a traffic stop around 2 a.m. when the crash occurred. He was inside his marked patrol unit with blue lights activated when the truck hit, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Ricks succumbed to his injuries Wednesday night, just days after the incident. He is survived by his wife.

Investigation Continues into Fatal Collision

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether charges will be filed against the truck driver involved. The ongoing investigation may consider factors like driver fatigue, speed, and failure to yield to emergency vehicles.

This fatality once again highlights the risks officers face during roadside stops, particularly on high-speed routes like I-26.

Tributes and Department Response

The Department of Public Safety praised Ricks as a dedicated public servant who upheld his duties with integrity. His passing has prompted tributes from fellow troopers and citizens across the state.

Public safety advocates are using the tragedy to remind drivers of South Carolina’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles on the roadside.

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