Claire Ann Pierce, Eliza Jane Udy Obituary, Death – Two young women from Lexington County tragically lost their lives in a car accident that occurred on May 18 in the Leesville area. The fatal crash happened at the intersection of Neely Wingard Road and Ben Franklin Road and involved two vehicles.
According to a press release from local officials, the victims were identified as Claire Ann Pierce, 22, of Lexington, and Eliza Jane Udy, 21, of Leesville. The Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher confirmed the identities and released details regarding the incident.
The accident took place when a vehicle carrying Pierce and Udy was traveling southbound on Neely Wingard Road. As it crossed the intersection with Ben Franklin Road, it was struck by another vehicle coming from the east. The impact of the collision caused fatal injuries to the two passengers. Claire Ann Pierce was pronounced dead at the scene, while Eliza Jane Udy was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the vehicle carrying the two women was also injured in the crash but is expected to recover, as their injuries were classified as non-life-threatening. Similarly, the driver of the second vehicle involved in the collision was transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities, including the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), the SCHP Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office, are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash. At this stage, no additional details have been provided about the circumstances leading up to the collision or whether any charges may be filed.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) also released preliminary traffic fatality data for the weekend. According to their report, three people died on South Carolina roadways from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 16, through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 18. These figures are considered preliminary and are subject to revision as investigations continue and more information becomes available.
The tragic deaths of Claire Ann Pierce and Eliza Jane Udy have left a profound impact on their respective communities. Both women were in the early stages of adulthood and likely had promising futures ahead of them. Their untimely deaths serve as a somber reminder of how quickly life can change due to an unexpected event on the road.
Local residents have expressed their grief and support for the families affected by this tragedy. Though official statements from the families have not yet been released, the community has begun rallying around them, offering condolences and assistance during this difficult time.
This accident highlights ongoing concerns regarding traffic safety, particularly at rural intersections where visibility and speed may play contributing roles in collisions. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether factors such as driver error, mechanical failure, or road conditions were involved, but these elements are often carefully reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
While both drivers survived the crash with non-life-threatening injuries, their road to recovery—both physical and emotional—will likely be long and difficult. Surviving such a traumatic event that claimed the lives of passengers can have lasting psychological effects, and support services are often needed to help those involved cope with the aftermath.
State and local officials continue to emphasize the importance of cautious driving, especially as traffic fatalities remain a pressing issue across South Carolina. The SCHP and other public safety organizations routinely advise drivers to remain alert, obey speed limits, and avoid distractions behind the wheel. Even with public awareness efforts, traffic-related deaths remain a frequent occurrence on state roadways.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will work to piece together exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the fatal crash. Whether the crash was the result of misjudgment at the intersection, a failure to yield, or some other factor will eventually be determined based on evidence collected from the scene, witness statements, and possibly surveillance footage if available.
The loss of two young lives in one tragic moment is a stark reminder of how vulnerable all drivers and passengers are each time they get into a vehicle. Families and friends of the victims are now left to mourn, while investigators search for answers that may help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Anyone with additional information about the crash is urged to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol or the Lexington County Coroner’s Office as they continue their work. Updates may be released as the investigation develops.
In the meantime, communities in Lexington and Leesville are grieving the loss of Claire Ann Pierce and Eliza Jane Udy, remembering them not only for the tragedy of their passing but also for the lives they lived and the impact they had on those around them.
