Greenville County, SC – A tragic crash on Interstate 85 early Sunday morning claimed the lives of two young men, just moments after their vehicle was involved in a brief police pursuit. Authorities say the car, which had been fleeing law enforcement, crashed and caught fire near the Exit 44 ramp, killing both occupants at the scene.
According to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to stop a Honda Accord near Anderson Road and White Horse Road around 1:45 a.m. Sunday. The driver refused to pull over, leading to a short chase. However, deputies soon decided to call off the pursuit near the Interstate 85 interchange, following law enforcement policies that prioritize public safety over high-risk chases.
Shortly after the pursuit ended, authorities received a call about a vehicle crash and fire on I-85 South. Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered that the wrecked car matched the description of the one involved in the earlier chase. The vehicle had veered off the left side of the road while merging onto the highway and slammed into a concrete barrier wall, igniting a fiery explosion.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office later identified the two victims as 18-year-old Aaron Joseph Lowry of Anderson and 20-year-old Cody Isaiah Russell of Easley. Both young men were pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash and fire.
Authorities are still working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, including why the driver attempted to evade law enforcement and whether speed, impairment, or other factors contributed to the crash. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, with support from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and coroner’s office.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fleeing from police and the deadly consequences that can follow high-speed pursuits. Law enforcement officials urge drivers to comply with traffic stops to prevent unnecessary tragedies. Further updates will be released as the investigation continues.
