BONNEAU, SC (THECOUNT) — Jeaniettra Avonne Jones was killed early Friday in a fatal auto-versus-pedestrian crash in Berkeley County. She was 34.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), the collision occurred at approximately 2:18 a.m. on Highway 52 near Illion Lane in Bonneau. Authorities said a “totally unknown vehicle” struck Jones as she was in the roadway. The driver fled the scene following the impact.
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The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office confirmed Jones’ identity later Friday. She was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, according to the coroner.
Highway 52 is a primary thoroughfare running through Berkeley County and connecting several communities in the region. The stretch near Illion Lane includes both residential and rural areas, with limited lighting in certain sections during overnight hours. Officials have not released additional details about the vehicle involved, including its make, model, color, or direction of travel at the time of the crash.
The term “totally unknown vehicle,” as used by SCHP, indicates that investigators currently have no identifying description of the vehicle or driver involved. It remains unclear whether any witnesses observed the collision or the moments leading up to it. Authorities have not stated whether surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Hit-and-run collisions involving pedestrians are treated as serious criminal matters under South Carolina law. Drivers involved in crashes are required to stop, render aid when possible, and notify law enforcement. Leaving the scene of a fatal collision can result in significant criminal penalties upon identification and arrest. Investigators are working to determine all circumstances surrounding Friday’s incident.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Berkeley County Coroner’s Office. Officials have not released information regarding whether impairment, speed, or other contributing factors are suspected. No additional details about the events immediately prior to the collision have been made public.
Bonneau is a small town located in northeastern Berkeley County, near Lake Moultrie. Highway 52 serves as a key route through the area, carrying both local and through traffic. Pedestrian fatalities, particularly in low-light overnight hours, present complex investigative challenges for responding agencies.
At this time, no arrests have been announced, and the vehicle involved has not been located. Authorities continue to gather evidence and review available information as part of the ongoing probe.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is urged to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Officials have not released additional contact details in the preliminary report.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement works to identify the driver and determine the full sequence of events that led to the fatal collision.
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