By Crash News Writer 
Spartanburg, SC (October 20, 2026) – A 74-year-old North Carolina man died, and two other people were hospitalized following a three-vehicle collision near Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County on Sunday morning, October 18.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the collision occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Gossett Road near the Interstate 85 interchange. Troopers reported that a 2024 Ford Maverick driven by David McElroy, 74, of Mars Hill, North Carolina, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck two other vehicles.
Investigators said McElroy was traveling east from the northbound Interstate 85 exit ramp when he turned south onto Gossett Road. His vehicle crossed the median into the northbound lanes, where it collided with a 2020 Toyota RAV4 and an enclosed trailer being pulled by a 2023 Ford F-250.
Emergency medical personnel transported McElroy and a passenger in the Maverick to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for treatment. McElroy later died from his injuries and was pronounced dead at 8:56 a.m., according to the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office.
The driver of the Toyota RAV4, who was the vehicle’s only occupant, was also transported to the hospital for treatment. The Ford F-250 driver was not injured.
Authorities did not disclose the medical conditions of the two surviving hospitalized victims. The coroner’s office scheduled a forensic examination for Monday, October 19.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Fatal multi-vehicle accidents can leave families facing funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and difficult questions about what happened. Surviving victims may also require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation following a serious collision.
When several vehicles are involved, determining responsibility may require reviewing roadway evidence, vehicle damage, witness statements, and an official car accident report. Medical records and photographs can also help document the injuries and losses resulting from the crash.
For individuals searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Spartanburg, understanding car accident laws in South Carolina can help explain insurance requirements and potential legal options.
South Carolina allows certain surviving family members to seek compensation through wrongful death claims when another party’s negligence causes a fatal accident. Injured survivors may also have grounds to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Whether you are researching a car accident near me or a car accident near Spartanburg, obtaining a car accident report and consulting an attorney may help clarify your rights and the deadlines that apply.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on information released by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office, as reported by FOX Carolina on October 18, 2026. Additional findings may become available as the investigation continues.
- David McElroy, 74, of Mars Hill, North Carolina, died after being transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.
- A passenger in McElroy’s vehicle and the Toyota RAV4 driver were hospitalized. Their updated medical conditions were not disclosed.
- The Ford F-250 driver was not injured.
- The coroner’s office scheduled a forensic examination for October 19.
- Authorities have not released a final investigative determination regarding the collision.
Readers seeking information about wrongful death claims, insurance procedures, and accident investigations can review the frequently asked questions in South Carolina.
Additional accident resources in South Carolina are available for injured individuals and families seeking information about medical care, insurance claims, and recovery.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information is based on initial public reporting and may change as investigators release additional findings. Please review our disclaimer for further information.
If you lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a serious collision, contact a South Carolina personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and determine whether you may be eligible to pursue compensation.