Man Impaled By Moped Dies

The driver of a moped involved in a Monday accident near Williamson has died.  Authorities say 27-year-old Jonathan Alexander Hammond of Pelzer died Tuesday morning at Greenville Memorial Hospital.  The moped he was driving was struck by a van Monday afternoon on Beaverdam Road at the intersection of Anderson Highway. According to authorities, witnesses say the moped ran the red light and was struck by the van, driven by 68-year-old Shirley Philyaw, that was traveling west on Anderson Highway. 

Hammond, who police say was not wearing a helmet, was impaled on a part of the moped and Williamston firefighters had to use the “Jaws of Life” to free him.  Pelzer died of blunt force trauma. The accident remains under investigation.