Hillary Rain Rish, 35, of Leesville, South Carolina, was killed Tuesday morning, October 13, 2026, when her 2021 Dodge Durango collided head-on with a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu on U.S. 178 (Fairview Road) near T.A. Fore Road in the Pelion area of Lexington County, according to the Lexington County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Two people in the Malibu were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Fault has not been determined.
A weekday morning commute on a rural Lexington County road ended in tragedy, leaving a mother grieving her daughter and two other people in the hospital.
What Happened Near Pelion
The crash happened at about 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, according to Master Trooper William Bennett of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Rish was driving a 2021 Dodge Durango west on U.S. 178 and Fairview Road when, near the intersection with T.A. Fore Road, her vehicle collided head-on with a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu traveling east, Bennett said. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office placed the crash at around 7:17 a.m. in the 1700 block of Fairview Road.
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher confirmed Rish’s identity. Rish was alone in the Durango and was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the coroner’s office. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two people were in the Malibu. Both were hurt and taken to a hospital, Bennett said. The coroner’s office said they suffered serious injuries, and further information about their conditions was not available. No other injuries were reported.
A Mother’s Grief
Rish’s mother told reporters her daughter was killed while “doing nothing wrong.” Her family identified Rish as the victim.
Investigation Continues
The Lexington County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol continue to investigate. Authorities have not announced what caused the vehicles to collide or whether anyone will face charges, and the coroner has described the crash as an accident.
