Snellville, GA Pedestrian, Michael Derrick, 24, Killed After Being Hurled Off South Carolina Bridge in DUI Crash

A 24-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle and thrown off the Gervais Street Bridge in Columbia, South Carolina, has died, and the driver suspected of causing the crash now faces upgraded criminal charges.

The Richland County Coroner, Naida Rutherford, identified the victim as Michael Derrick of Snellville, Georgia. He was 24 years old.

The incident took place on the evening of May 31 at approximately 7:45 p.m. According to the Columbia Police Department, a driver was operating his vehicle recklessly when he crossed a double yellow line and struck another vehicle head-on.

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The collision involved three vehicles in total. The impact pushed Derrick backward over the bridge railing, sending him falling onto the riverbank below.

Officers located Derrick beneath the bridge, and a rescue operation was launched to bring him to safety. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated for severe injuries. Despite medical efforts, Derrick did not survive and died roughly one week after the crash.

Driver Charged, Bond Denied After Victim’s Death

The driver behind the wheel that evening has been identified as William Joseph Livingston, 30. Law enforcement initially arrested and charged Livingston with felony driving under the influence, resulting in great bodily injury.

He was booked on June 1 and was previously granted a bond of one million dollars, though records indicate he remained in jail throughout that time.

Following the announcement of Derrick’s death, the Columbia Police Department confirmed that Livingston’s charge has been upgraded to felony DUI resulting in death. Police also stated they are requesting that the bond be denied on the new charge. Livingston’s bond has since been revoked.

The crash also resulted in one other driver losing their life, while a passenger involved in the multi-vehicle wreck remains in critical condition at a hospital. Police noted that no other individuals suffered life-threatening injuries in connection with the incident.

A Tragedy That Raises Questions About Road Safety

The Gervais Street Bridge connects downtown Columbia to the West Columbia area over the Congaree River and is a frequently traveled route by both drivers and pedestrians.

The fact that a pedestrian could be struck and thrown from the bridge during evening hours has drawn attention from the local community and raised concerns about reckless driving in the area.

Felony DUI resulting in death in South Carolina carries serious consequences. Under state law, a conviction can result in a prison sentence ranging from one to five years for a first offense involving a single death, with harsher penalties applying when multiple people are killed or when prior DUI convictions exist.

The Columbia Police Department has indicated this remains a developing investigation. Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances that led to Livingston allegedly crossing into oncoming traffic, though impairment is central to the charges he now faces.

Michael Derrick was 24 years old. His death has left a community in mourning and a legal case that will continue to unfold in the weeks ahead.