The Pickens County Coroner’s Office has identified Wilbur Haile Hayes IV of Anderson as the victim of a fiery single-vehicle crash in Pendleton, South Carolina, on New Year’s Day.​
Incident Overview
The crash occurred just after midnight on January 1, 2026, on West Queen Street, where the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames upon emergency response. Firefighters discovered the sole occupant during suppression efforts, and identification was confirmed through dental records comparison.​
Cause and Ruling
The coroner ruled the manner of death as accidental, with no further details released on contributing factors like speed or vehicle failure. The investigation remains active as of mid-February 2026.
