The Charleston Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred on January 6, 2026, just before 7 p.m., on the Ashley River Bridge heading into downtown Charleston.
Officers learned that a bicyclist was traveling in the roadway on the bridge when they were struck by a vehicle. The vehicle fled following the collision and the victim died at the scene. The Charleston County Coroner’s Office will release the name of the deceased.
The roadway was closed for approximately three hours and reopened around 10 p.m.
The vehicle and its driver have not been located, and the collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information pertinent to the investigation is asked to contact the Charleston Police Department’s Traffic Unit at (843) 965-4084. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.
This is the first fatal traffic-related collision investigated by the Charleston Police Department in 2026.
Fatal Traffic Collision Breakdown – Year-to-Date:
• Vehicle-Bicycle: 1
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Media Release
Release Date: January 7, 2026
Media Contact: Sgt. C. Stinson