Jerad Rose Obituary, Death; – The South Carolina Department of Transportation announced that one of its employees tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Tuesday. Jerad Rose, a surveyor, was performing his responsibilities near a highway in Dorchester County when the incident occurred, as stated by SCDOT officials in a news release.
The Dorchester County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the 24-year-old resident of Summerville died at the scene, according to WCIV. The fatal event took place around 9 a.m. on U.S. 15, close to the intersection with Deer Hunt Road, as reported by Cpl. Nick Pye of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. This location is situated in the Bowman area of Dorchester County, near Exit 172 on Interstate 26.
Rose, described as a pedestrian, was on the southbound shoulder of U.S. 15 when he was struck by a tire that detached from a 2012 Freightliner tractor-trailer traveling southbound, according to Pye. The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, sustained no injuries, and no other injuries were reported. Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell remarked in the news release that this tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by frontline workers dedicated to enhancing the lives of South Carolinians.
In remembrance of Rose, employees held a moment of silence; he began his career with SCDOT in 2024, as noted in the release. Rose will be honored at the annual workers’ memorial service scheduled for April, according to SCDOT officials. Powell expressed, “Jerad’s memory and his sacrifice in service to our state will not be forgotten. This is a tremendous loss, and I urge everyone to keep his family, friends, and colleagues in your prayers.” The Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into Rose’s death.
As of Sunday, 86 individuals had lost their lives on South Carolina roads in 2025, as reported by the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, at least 948 fatalities occurred in crashes within the state, according to DPS. Furthermore, at least three fatalities have been recorded in Dorchester County crashes in 2025, based on DPS data, with 35 deaths reported in the county in 2024.
