Dennis Ricks dies in fatal Orangeburg County car crash

Dennis Ricks dies in fatal Orangeburg County car crash

Fatal Orangeburg County car crash death of Dennis Ricks

Dennis Ricks, a First Class South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper, died as a result of injuries sustained when he was hit by a box truck during a Sunday morning traffic stop on I-26 in Orangeburg County.

He was transported to a hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries Wednesday night, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. The agency described his loss as devastating to his family, colleagues in Troop Seven, the entire Highway Patrol, and the DPS family, expressing condolences to his wife and family for their grief.

The 45-year-old driver of the box truck, Anthony Aydlette, was charged Sunday with driving while his license was suspended. He was granted a cash bond of $647.50 on Monday, though records show he had not posted bond or been released by Wednesday. The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and stated Aydlette may be charged with additional offenses.