FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 16, 2004

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409

Or L/Cpl. STEVE SLUDER, 864-217-0056

 

SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASES FINDINGS IN I-26 INCIDENT

 INVOLVING ALICIA MAY GOODWIN

 

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol today released a report of the July 13 incident on I-26 at the 63 mile marker eastbound involving Alicia May Goodwin.

 

Goodwin was one of four people killed when a rescue helicopter that was to transport her to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center crashed in pre-dawn hours near Jalapa. Goodwin told the investigating trooper on the scene that she had been struck by an 18-wheeler.

 

Cpl. Horne stated in his report, “…I noticed her clothes were not torn or appear to have any grass in her hair that would indicate she had been struck by a passing vehicle. No debris or skid marks were found at the scene.” Horne noted that Newberry County EMT Casey Chaves reported “there wasn’t a road rash on her body or did she have any trauma to her upper body that would be consistent with someone being struck by any kind of a motor vehicle.”

 

“The Highway Patrol has concluded its investigation at this time, based on the evidence at the scene, unless an individual comes forward with new information regarding the incident,” said Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark. “We have no independent witnesses, and all the evidence surrounding the incident was taken from the victim prior to her death.”

 

Anyone with further information regarding the cause of Ms. Goodwin’s injuries prior to the helicopter crash should call Cpl. M.K. Horne at Troop 2 Highway Patrol Headquarters, 864-227-6012, or the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office 803-321-2211.

 

Attached is a copy of the incident report.  

 

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Refer media inquiries to: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409 or L/Cpl. STEVE SLUDER, 864-217-0056