Columbia Police Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook announces that the Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) continues to investigate a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred yesterday at the intersection of Duke Avenue and Lamar Street.
As a result, the 3-year-old victim, identified by Richland County Coroner Gary Watts as Jayana Summers died from blunt force trauma after being struck by a vehicle.
Her 23-year-old mother was also injured during the collision and is currently at a local hospital for her serious injuries.
Chief Holbrook says, “Our hearts break for the family for their tremendous loss. These tragedies weigh heavy on officers and first responders and are especially difficult when they involve children.”
CPD officers responded to the 900 block of Duke Avenue shortly before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2019.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a Dodge Avenger was traveling eastbound on Duke Avenue as the victims crossed the roadway. When they made it to the other side, the vehicle struck them before crashing into a utility pole.
The male driver was immediately detained on scene. Officers conducted a field sobriety test and toxicology tests are pending with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Preliminary indicators suggest fatigue may have been a contributing factor in the collision; the cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Traffic Safety Unit officers will discuss the facts of the case with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.