Deputy Killed in Crash
Charleston County Deputy Michael Hendricks Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Ladson Road
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Key Points
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The collision occurred on Sept. 9, and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Hendricks’ death shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 10.
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Ladson Road had reopened by the morning of Sept. 10; a reporter found that police tape and vehicle debris had been cleared from the roadway by 10 a.m.
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The collision occurred less than half a mile from the family-owned Lowcountry Auto Sales and Services business.
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Berkeley County Sheriff S. Duane Lewis said Hendricks’ previous service with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office made the death “especially painful” for that agency and the surrounding community.
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Moncks Corner police said, “Rest easy, Deputy. We have the watch from here,” while noting that Hendricks’ death had affected his family, fellow deputies and others involved in the crash.
Charleston County Deputy Michael Hendricks, 33, died on September 9 after his vehicle was struck in a multi-vehicle collision on Ladson Road. The crash involved a tractor-trailer and a pickup truck, forcing authorities to close the roadway for several hours. Police1 confirmed Hendricks' death the following morning, marking a line-of-duty tragedy that rippled across South Carolina law enforcement.
Hendricks joined the Charleston County Sheriff's Office in April 2023 and most recently worked in the Metro Unit. He had previously served with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office and other regional agencies. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, but officials have released no details about the cause or contributing factors as of now.
The Collision and Road Closure
The crash occurred on Ladson Road between Highway 78 and Lincolnville Road, a location less than half a mile from the family-owned Lowcountry Auto Sales and Services business. WLTX reported that authorities closed the entire roadway segment while investigators worked the scene. By the morning of September 10, police tape and debris had been cleared, and the road reopened to traffic.
The multi-vehicle nature of the collision and the extended closure suggest investigators needed to secure a substantial area and manage public safety. However, law enforcement has not disclosed specific evidence details or the sequence of events leading to the impact.
Law Enforcement Mourns Across Multiple Agencies
Sheriff Carl Ritchie and agencies throughout South Carolina issued statements of condolence following Hendricks' death. Officer.com noted that the deputy had built professional relationships across multiple jurisdictions during his service career. Berkeley County Sheriff S. Duane Lewis said Hendricks' previous work with that agency made the loss "especially painful" for his former colleagues and the surrounding community.
Moncks Corner police posted a tribute stating: "Rest easy, Deputy. We have the watch from here." The message acknowledged the impact on Hendricks' family, fellow deputies, and others involved in the crash. The coordinated response from regional agencies underscores the close-knit networks within South Carolina law enforcement.
Investigation Ongoing as Cause Remains Unknown
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting the formal investigation into the collision. GVwire reported that agencies beyond Charleston County, including the Tulare County Sheriff's Office in California, sent condolences to the South Carolina sheriff's office. Officials have stated no timeline for releasing findings or determining fault.
Law enforcement officials are also prioritizing the family's privacy during the grieving period. Until the Highway Patrol completes its investigation, the specific cause and contributing factors will remain confidential. Hendricks' death marks a sobering reminder of the dangers officers face while serving their communities.
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