Charleston police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision that killed a bicyclist just before 7 p.m. Jan. 6 on the Ashley River Bridge heading into downtown Charleston.
The incident occurs only days before the first anniversary of the groundbreaking of the Ashley River Crossing, a large-scale bike-pedestrian bridge project that will span the Ashley River between West Ashley and the peninsula.
“This tragedy underscores why the Ashley River Crossing is so desperately needed,” Charleston City Council member Ross Appel told the Charleston City Paper. Appel’s district includes the part of West Ashley where the bridge is being built.
As of Thursday afternoon, the victim’s identity had not been released, and police have not yet identified a suspect.
Officers determined the cyclist was traveling in the roadway on the bridge when the person was struck by a vehicle. The vehicle fled the area, and the victim died at the scene.
Anyone with information pertinent to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Charleston Police Department’s Traffic Unit at (843) 965-4084. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at charleston-sc.gov/tips.
The accident was the first fatal cyclist collision in Charleston County of the year. There were four similar incidents in 2025, according to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office. The last one was Dec. 29.
The project officially broke ground Jan. 9, 2025, but it has been in the works for nearly 15 years. After several design revisions and changes, city leaders approved and funded the $90 million plan, mostly with federal dollars.
The bridge will connect the West Ashley Greenway, Maryville Bikeway and the Charleston Medical District with dedicated bike-ped lanes and crosswalks across busy downtown roads. Project funds include the cost of the bridge itself, as well as intersection improvements to aid in pedestrian safety.
The project is on schedule for completion in summer 2027.
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