A motorcycle crash involving a deer and another vehicle left one man dead late Wednesday night in Saluda County, SC, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:10 p.m. on US 378 near Roseland Drive. Authorities identified the victim as 61-year-old Mark W. Wharton, a resident of Monetta.
Witnesses reported that Wharton was riding a 2000 Suzuki motorcycle westbound when he struck a deer in the roadway. Following that collision, an unidentified vehicle ran over Wharton and fled the scene. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Master Trooper William Bennett.
No other injuries have been reported. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not confirmed if Wharton was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. It remains unclear whether his death resulted from the initial collision with the deer or from the subsequent run-over by the unknown vehicle.
The Highway Patrol is asking anyone with information regarding the vehicle or driver involved in this incident to contact them at 803-896-9621 or 800-768-1503. Tips can also be relayed to CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submitted online.
As of now, 230 people have died on South Carolina roads in 2026, according to the Department of Public Safety.