Florence County Mourns the Loss of Two Lives: 70-Year-Old Wilbur Everett Hobbs and 46-Year-Old Byron Philip Johnson Identified as Victims of Deadly Head-On Crash on West John Paul Jones Road
A devastating head-on crash occurred on Monday in Florence County, claiming the lives of two men and leaving the community in shock and grief. According to the Florence County Coroner’s Office, the victims were identified as 70-year-old Wilbur Everett Hobbs and 46-year-old Byron Philip Johnson, both residents of Timmonsville.
_Crash Details and Emergency Response_
The collision occurred shortly after 6:15 p.m. on West John Paul Jones Road in Effingham. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where they found the two vehicles involved in the crash. Despite their best efforts, both Hobbs and Johnson succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
_Vehicles Involved and Preliminary Investigation_
South Carolina Highway Patrol Cpl. Nick Pye reported that the crash involved a 2011 Kia SUV and a 2023 Chevrolet SUV. However, it was not immediately clear which victim was driving which vehicle. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the events leading up to the collision and the factors that may have contributed to the crash.
_Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps_
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash, with assistance from the Florence County Coroner’s Office and other local agencies. As the investigation progresses, authorities may release additional details about the crash, including the cause of the collision and any potential contributing factors.
In the meantime, the community is coming together to support the families of the victims during this difficult time. A fundraising campaign has been established to help cover funeral expenses and provide assistance to the families.
_Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Services_
Funeral arrangements for Wilbur Everett Hobbs and Byron Philip Johnson are currently underway, with details to be announced in the coming days. Memorial services will be planned to honor the lives of the victims and provide an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance.
_Community Reaction and Support_
The community is in shock and grief following the loss of these two lives. Friends, family, and neighbors are coming together to offer support and condolences to the families of the victims.
As the community mourns the loss of Wilbur Everett Hobbs and Byron Philip Johnson, they also urge drivers to exercise caution and vigilance on the roads. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior.
_Conclusion_
The tragic loss of Wilbur Everett Hobbs and Byron Philip Johnson’s lives serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior. As the community mourns the loss of these two lives, they also urge drivers to exercise caution and vigilance on the roads. The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing, and officials will provide updates as more information becomes available.
