A tragic single-vehicle accident on Monday afternoon claimed the life of 19-year-old Jake Burzler from Myrtle Beach.
His family and friends are seriously devastated by his tragic loss at such a tender age.
According to authorities, Burzler was driving an SUV along Highway 31 near mile marker 26 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway and collided with a tree. The impact was severe, and emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene.
Officials confirmed that Burzler was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which likely contributed to the fatal outcome. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Horry County emergency personnel.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol has launched an investigation to determine what caused the vehicle to leave the road. Authorities have not ruled out factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or possible road conditions.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of seatbelt usage. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety continues to stress the life-saving benefits of wearing seatbelts, as statistics show they significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries in crashes.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials urge any witnesses or those with relevant information to come forward.