The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Susan Rhodes, a 65-year-old North Augusta woman, came to a dramatic end Monday with her arrest on multiple criminal charges related to a June 11 car crash.
What Happened
Rhodes vanished into the woods near Gregory Lake Road in Edgefield County after a collision involving her vehicle and another attended car. She resurfaced nearly eight weeks later, telling authorities an unlikely tale of being swept away by a creek, surviving on bread and water from strangers, and being dropped off by a man in a black truck. However, police have labeled her story fabricated.
Who Is Susan Rhodes
Susan Rhodes is a 65-year-old resident of North Augusta who became the subject of a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including SLED, after disappearing following the crash. Her family had feared a medical emergency such as a stroke might have caused her disappearance.
Background or Timeline
- June 11, 2025: Rhodes involved in a crash on Gregory Lake Road; witnesses report she appeared disoriented and walked into the woods.
- Immediate aftermath: Massive multi-county search launched after she was reported missing.
- August 4, 2025: Rhodes found inside a stranger’s home in Edgefield County, giving a surreal and inconsistent account of her disappearance.
- August 6, 2025: Arrest warrant issued following police investigation.
- August 12, 2025: Rhodes arrested and charged with hit and run involving an attended vehicle, reckless driving, and open container.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The case sparked widespread local speculation and concern during the two months Rhodes was missing. Online rumors circulated, including false reports that she was on life support. The community’s initial empathy shifted to skepticism after police publicly disputed Rhodes’ account of her disappearance.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Authorities maintain that Rhodes fabricated her story to avoid prosecution for the crash and the resulting property damage. She is currently held at Edgefield County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional legal proceedings are expected.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
