Wheelchair User Fatally Struck on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard: Edward Brown’s Death Raises Urgent Safety Concerns in Charleston.

Wheelchair User Fatally Struck on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Edward Brown’s Death Raises Urgent Safety Concerns in Charleston.

A tragic crash in Charleston, South Carolina has left a community mourning after Edward Brown was struck and killed while crossing a busy roadway in his wheelchair. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Friday, March 6, as Brown was attempting to cross Sam Rittenberg Boulevard from Gamecock Avenue.

According to authorities, the driver of a Honda Element struck Brown while he was crossing the roadway. Following the collision, the vehicle’s engine reportedly caught fire, creating an additional emergency at the scene. The driver remained at the location after the crash and cooperated with responding authorities. Emergency crews transported Brown to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, he later died from the injuries he sustained.

The City of Charleston Police Department Traffic Unit is currently investigating the incident and is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact investigators at 843-965-4084. Officials say community cooperation could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The tragedy has also reignited discussions about safety along the Sam Rittenberg Boulevard corridor, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals who rely on mobility devices. Advocates say the stretch near Gamecock Avenue is known for heavy traffic, high speeds, and complicated turning movements onto nearby Frontage Road, making it a high-risk area for crashes.

Community members and safety advocates believe proposed roadway redesign plans for the Sam Rittenberg corridor could help reduce speeding and improve safety, creating more accessible and comfortable spaces for everyone who uses the roadway.