Perry, SC — January 10, 2026, Donald Rushton was killed in a car accident at about 7:45 p.m. in the 100 block of Walker Street/State Highway 389.

Authorities said a 2011 Toyota Tundra crashed into a 2019 Huzhou three-wheel moped while heading north near East Railroad Avenue/Red River Road.

Moped driver Donald Rushton, 61, of Salley died from injuries suffered at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The Toyota driver was hospitalized with unspecified injuries after the crash, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Madison County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

In the aftermath of any serious crash, especially those involving unexpected vehicle pairings like cars and mopeds, there’s often a rush to understand what happened in the most basic terms: who hit whom, and when. But that surface-level view rarely tells the full story. To get to the truth, it’s worth asking some deeper questions that too often go unexamined.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A moped crash, particularly one involving a fatality, deserves more than a quick scene assessment. Was there a full reconstruction of the collision, including laser mapping of vehicle paths and impact points? Did investigators take time to interview witnesses, analyze driver conduct leading up to the crash and examine the area for potential behavior indicators, like sudden maneuvers or braking? With limited details publicly available, it’s unclear whether officers had the specialized training or resources to piece together a complete picture. That gap matters, especially when the consequences are fatal.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? While it's easy to assume that the smaller vehicle in a crash bore the brunt of the danger, it's worth asking whether either vehicle, especially the much larger Toyota, had any mechanical issues. A sudden brake failure or throttle problem could turn an ordinary moment into a deadly one. Given the age of the Toyota, it would be wise to question whether its systems were functioning properly, or if any recall-related issues were missed in the investigation.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles often hold a surprising amount of digital information, from engine control modules to GPS history and even smartphone connections. Was the Toyota's onboard data reviewed to confirm speed, braking and steering inputs? Were any nearby traffic or security cameras canvassed for footage? That kind of evidence can reveal a lot about how the crash played out in the seconds before impact; far more than physical damage alone.

When a fatal crash unfolds, the easy answers rarely tell the full story. Digging deeper — into training, mechanical integrity and digital evidence — isn’t just about finding fault. It’s about making sure we don’t miss something that could matter for everyone involved.

Key Takeaways:

• Serious crashes require more than a basic investigation to truly understand what happened.
• Mechanical issues, especially in older vehicles, shouldn't be ruled out without inspection.
• Electronic data from vehicles and nearby sources can be key to uncovering the truth.