SCDPS Remembers 2023 Traffic Fatality Victims in Annual Memorial Service

For Immediate Release  
April 26, 2024
Contact: Rachel Urconis, 803-896-9402

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety will hold a virtual memorial service on Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m. to remember the more than 1,000 lives lost on South Carolina roadways in 2023.

Since 1988, the annual service serves to commemorate the people who lost their lives on South Carolina’s roadways; to bring together their friends and families; and to educate the public in an effort to prevent future loss of life on the state’s roads.

“This is a solemn time each year where we come together with the community to mourn the loss of those whose lives were cut suddenly and tragically short as a result of a traffic collision,” said Robert G. Woods, IV, Director of the SC Department of Public Safety. “To the families and friends of those who have passed, I know that words cannot fully mend the pain of loss you feel. Yet we hope this memorial provides some sort of comfort to you that your loved one is and will be remembered.”

The virtual service will be streamed on the SCDPS Facebook page and shared in a special Facebook event that is open to the public. The Facebook event space serves as a forum where families and friends are encouraged to connect with one another and share tributes of their loved ones.

Saturday’s service will include a video tribute and several messages of comfort from highway safety professionals at the Department of Public Safety. During the tribute, the names of those who have passed on will be presented and honored. Information about services and resources for families of the victims will be available during the service.

All links to the event and resources are available here - linktr.ee/dps_fhf.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.