Two young women lost their lives in a devastating two-vehicle crash Sunday night in Lexington County, underscoring the dangers South Carolina drivers face on rural roads and intersections. The accident occurred on Sunday, May 18th around 9 p.m. near the intersection of Ben Franklin Road and Neely Wingard Road, in the Leesville area, just off Interstate 20 at Exit 39.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2019 Jeep Laredo traveling east on Ben Franklin Road collided with a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu heading south on Neely Wingard Road. The impact of the crash was severe, claiming the lives of two passengers riding in the Chevy.
The Lexington County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victims as Claire Ann Pierce, 22, of Lexington, and Eliza Jane Udy, 21, of Leesville. Pierce tragically died at the scene, while Udy was transported to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. The drivers of both vehicles were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and a third person who was in the Chevy Malibu survived. The Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the accident, and it remains unclear whether seat belts were in use at the time of the collision.
This crash marks another entry in the rising number of fatal car accidents in South Carolina. As of May 2025, 291 people have died in South Carolina traffic collisions, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS). Lexington County alone has reported at least 15 fatal crashes in 2025, after 50 roadway deaths in 2024.
At Bringardner Injury Law Firm, we understand how life-shattering a fatal car accident can be for surviving family members. When loved ones are lost in preventable crashes, families are often left with overwhelming emotional pain, financial burdens, and unanswered questions.
If your family has been affected by a fatal crash in Lexington County, or anywhere in South Carolina, you deserve compassionate and experienced legal representation. Our team can help investigate the accident, determine liability, and pursue a wrongful death claim to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Bringardner Injury Law Firm Today
The aftermath of a tragic accident can be confusing and painful. If you need guidance following a serious or fatal auto accident, our experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys are here to help. We are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and fighting for the families they leave behind.