SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — A 32-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a vehicle along a busy stretch of Highway 378 in Sumter County earlier this week. Authorities have identified the victim as Ashton Marie Galloway, who died at the scene despite efforts from emergency crews.
The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near Carter Road. Officials said the call came in shortly after 1 p.m., reporting a pedestrian who had been hit. Responders from local law enforcement and EMS arrived quickly, but Galloway had suffered severe injuries and could not be saved. Sumter County Coroner Robert Baker confirmed her death and said an autopsy has been scheduled at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Investigators with the South Carolina Highway Patrol are leading the case alongside the coroner’s office. At this point, no details have been released about the driver of the vehicle, including whether speed, distraction, or impairment played a role in the collision. Officials said it remains too early to determine if charges will be filed. The ongoing investigation will include a reconstruction of the crash scene to piece together the sequence of events.
Highway 378 is a major thoroughfare through Sumter County and sees a significant amount of daily traffic. The section near Carter Road is particularly busy, with limited accommodations for pedestrians. Authorities have not ruled out road design, visibility issues, or weather conditions as potential contributing factors. Safety officials continue to stress that walking along highways poses significant risks, as motorists often have little time to react to unexpected pedestrians.
Fatal pedestrian crashes have become a growing concern across South Carolina, which consistently ranks among the states with high pedestrian fatality rates. State and local law enforcement have urged drivers to remain alert, especially on high-speed roadways, while also reminding pedestrians to avoid walking on highways whenever possible. The tragic death of Galloway underscores the dangers present on heavily traveled roads not designed for foot traffic.
Family members and the community are now grieving the sudden loss of a woman whose life was cut short far too soon. While few personal details about Galloway have been released, authorities confirmed that her family has been notified. Officials said they will provide further updates as soon as the autopsy results and additional investigative findings are available. For now, the case remains under active review, and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.