Saluda County, S.C. – Two people have died following a tragic two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 178 near Prater Road in Saluda County on October 27, 2025. The crash, involving a 2005 Honda Accord and a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, left 76-year-old Shirley Fincher of Saluda dead at the scene and 35-year-old Rakeem West of Batesburg, S.C. succumbing to his injuries two days later.
What Happened
According to the Saluda County Coroner’s Office, the collision occurred when the Honda Accord, traveling west on U.S. Highway 178, collided with the Chevrolet Traverse, which was traveling east. Both vehicles contained a driver and a passenger.
Shirley Fincher, the passenger in the Chevrolet Traverse, was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining fatal injuries in the crash. The drivers of both vehicles, along with the other passenger, were transported to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries.
Victims Identified
On October 29, 2025, Rakeem West, the driver of the Honda Accord, passed away at Prisma Health Richland after succumbing to the injuries he sustained in the crash. He was 35 years old and from Batesburg, S.C.
Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) and the Saluda County Coroner’s Office are investigating the incident. They are working together to piece together the exact circumstances leading to the deadly collision.
The Saluda County Coroner’s Office extended their thanks to local dispatchers, EMS, the Fire Service, Sheriff’s Office, Batesburg Fire Department, and the SCHP for their assistance at the scene.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The tragic deaths of Shirley Fincher and Rakeem West serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of the road. The Saluda County community is left to mourn the loss of two lives, and authorities continue their investigation into the collision. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time.
