COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper has passed away a few days after being hit by a car on I-26 during a traffic stop.
Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks died Wednesday night, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Ricks was conducting a traffic stop on I-26 at mile marker 166 when he was struck by a box truck around 2 a.m. Sunday.
Ricks was critically injured and transported to a nearby hospital. According to a social media post by his wife, he sustained a severe brain injury, bleeding, swelling, kidney bleeding, and multiple fractures.
“A graduate of SCHP Class 123 in September 2023, Ricks had served with pride in Troop 7 (Orangeburg, Calhoun) since then,” SCDPS stated in their update. “This represents a tragic loss for his loved ones, colleagues in Troop Seven, and the whole Highway Patrol and DPS community. We extend our sincerest sympathies to his wife and family during this challenging time.”
Anthony Aydlette, 45, from Hanahan, was apprehended and charged with driving with a suspended license related to the incident. It is still uncertain if further charges will be brought against Aydlette.
