Downed Tree Across 176 Causes Tuesday Morning Fatality

A Ridgeville man died Tuesday morning after his vehicle struck a downed tree on U.S. 176, near Lebanon Road. The wreck was the first of three to occur because of the tree, according to S.C. Highway Patrol.

Gregory President was not wearing a seatbelt when his Chevy S-10 pickup struck the tree while traveling east. A Summerville woman struck the tree almost simultaneously while traveling west. The woman was transported to MUSC with injuries.

As emergency responders worked the scene, another minor wreck was reported between a Pine Ridge Fire Department vehicle and another vehicle. No injuries were reported in that wreck.

S.C. Highway Patrol Corp. Bob Beres said the tree was "very large" and SCDOT was needed to remove the tree. 

The first two wrecks occured at 4:45 a.m. Tuesday. The third and final wreck caused by the tree happened at 5 a.m. with emergency personnel on site. 

President's death was ruled accidental by Berkeley County Coroner Bill Salisbury. The cause of death was head and body trauma.