Solicitor Pursuing Charges in Deadly Crash - Ludwig Releases Statement

Update: Friday May 1st

New details in the case involving a Masarati driver that crashed through a home, killing an Upstate man.

The Highway Patrol tells us they are close to wrapping up their investigation into the accident. The details -- not yet released.

The crash killed 62-year-old Frederic Bardsley over the weekend.

The Travellers Rest man died when driver John Ludwig crashed into his living room.

Ludwig, a well known furman alumni, is out on bond after facing burglary and domestic violence charges.

Wednesday, 13-th circuit solicitor Bob Ariail said his office is pursuing charges against Ludwig.

Also Friday, John Ludwig sent a note to his staff at SDI networks.

It reads in part:

"As all of you are aware, many people have suffered a great loss after this past weekend's accident. My heart aches for the Bardsley family and their friends."
"Over the past few days I have taken some time to reflect upon my life and the emotional challenges I face, and believe I must focus on my family and other personal matters that need my attention."

The solicitor's office is also asking anyone with information on the crash to call the highway patrol at 241-1000.

Earlier Story:

Solicitor Bob Ariail says he is seeking to file charges in the case where a car crashed into a home Saturday killing a man inside.

In a statement released today Solicitor Bob Ariail says his office is working with the Highway Patrol and the reconstruction team to review the progress of the investigation.

"I understand and appreciate the public’s interest in this case and can assure you that everything is being done to fully investigate this incident so that it can be prosecuted successfully." Arail said.

Greenville County Deputy Coroner Scott Ramsey says William Bardsley was killed when a car came through his house and struck him.

The accident occurred around 9 pm Saturday night at Bardsley's home at 18 War Admiral Way in Travelers Rest.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol says the driver of the 2007 Maserati, John Gilbert Ludwig was traveling on Roe Ford Road when the car went off the right side of the road and through a field before going into the backside of the house. Bardsley was pronounced dead at the scene. Ramsey says Bardsley's wife was also in the house at the time of the accident, but she was not injured.

Neighbors say they're always worried about drivers speeding on Roe Ford Road, but never thought something like this could happen. "You like to think you're safe in your home and people know, of course, you can be robbed or someone can invade your home, but no one expects a car to invade your home," Jeff Gordon said.

Statement by Solicitor Bob Ariail

April 29, 2009

My office is working closely with the Highway Patrol in their investigation of the tragic death of Fredrick William Bardsley Saturday night. We met today with members of the Highway Patrol and their accident reconstruction team to review the progress of the investigation. As a result of that meeting, there are additional steps we have requested they take in the furtherance of the investigation.

I understand and appreciate the public’s interest in this case and can assure you that everything is being done to fully investigate this incident so that it can be prosecuted successfully.

We also encourage anyone who has information related to this matter to call the Highway Patrol at 864-241-1000.

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