LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — A motorcyclist lost his life Wednesday afternoon after crashing while attempting to flee from police in South Carolina, authorities reported. The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Meadowfield Road, leaving the community in shock and prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2008 Suzuki motorcycle was traveling north when it collided with the rear of a 2014 Chevrolet sedan that had slowed down due to traffic. The rider, later identified as 38-year-old Travis Leon Horton of Pelion, was allegedly evading Gaston Police officers at the time of the crash. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Horton was not wearing a helmet during the accident.
A spokesperson for the Gaston Police Department stated that officers initially attempted to stop the motorcycle because its license plate appeared altered and did not match the vehicle. When police activated their lights and sirens, Horton allegedly sped away. Officers lost sight of the motorcycle near the 500 block of Meadowfield Road but later discovered it had crashed in the 800 block.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers immediately attempted life-saving measures on Horton until emergency medical services personnel arrived and took over. Despite their efforts, Horton was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet sedan was not injured in the crash.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Authorities are working to determine the exact sequence of events, including the speed of the motorcycle, road conditions, and other factors that may have contributed to the crash.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of evading law enforcement and the importance of road safety. The community is mourning the loss of Travis Leon Horton, while authorities continue their investigation to provide clarity and accountability in the wake of this devastating event.
