Saint George, SC — February 18, 2025, Devin Rose was killed following a pedestrian versus rogue tire accident sometime before 10:30 a.m. along U.S. 15.

According to authorities, 24-year-old Summerville man Jared Devin Rose, an SCDOT worker, was on foot on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 15 several miles north of Saint George when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a tire separated from an 18-wheeler that had been traveling on the highway; it reportedly struck Rose where he had been standing on the shoulder. He suffered fatal injuries due to the impact, according to reports, and was declared deceased at the scene. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a truck loses a wheel on the highway and it fatally strikes a roadside worker, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wheel separations are almost never freak accidents—they typically result from mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or poor installation, all of which need to be examined.

What caused the tire to separate? Semi-truck wheels don’t just come off under normal conditions. Investigators should determine whether the separation was due to a mechanical failure, such as worn bearings, loose or improperly torqued lug nuts, or axle damage. Reviewing maintenance records and conducting a post-crash inspection of the truck could reveal whether the issue was preventable.

Did the trucking company properly maintain the vehicle? Federal regulations require commercial carriers to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to prevent dangerous mechanical failures. If the company skipped routine maintenance, ignored warning signs, or allowed the truck on the road in poor condition, it could have played a direct role in the crash. Investigators should examine company policies, inspection reports, and repair records to determine whether negligence played a role.

Did broader issues contribute to the crash? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe for the road, but not all take that responsibility seriously. If this company had a history of mechanical failures, ignored safety warnings, or failed to train drivers to recognize maintenance issues, that could be relevant to understanding why this crash happened. Investigators should review the company’s past violations and safety record to determine whether broader issues played a role.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.