Robert Terry Homesley, 87, Killed in Head-On Crash on I-26 Near Mile Marker 44 in Spartanburg County; South Carolina Highway Patrol Investigates.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — A tragic head-on collision on Interstate 26 in Spartanburg County Friday night claimed the life of an 87-year-old North Carolina man, according to officials. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal wreck, which caused significant emergency response and traffic disruption in the area .

Victim Identified

The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as Robert Terry Homesley, 87, a resident of Alexis, North Carolina. Coroner officials stated that Homesley was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. A forensic examination has been scheduled for Saturday morning as part of the standard investigative protocol to determine the exact cause and manner of death, and to gather further details regarding the incident .

Crash Timeline and Location

The fatal incident was reported around 10 p.m. Friday night on the westbound side of I-26 near the 44-mile marker, an area close to the Highway 49 exit. Emergency responders from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Coroner’s Office arrived at the scene shortly before 10 p.m. . According to the coroner, Robert Terry Homesley was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:55 p.m. , indicating the crash occurred just moments before officials were alerted .

Details of the Collision

Authorities have confirmed that the crash was a head-on collision, though specific details regarding how it occurred remain under investigation . As of now, officials have not released information on how many vehicles were involved or whether any other individuals sustained injuries. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has not indicated if any other drivers or passengers were transported to local hospitals following the crash .

The nature of head-on collisions on interstate highways often suggests a vehicle may have crossed the median or entered a roadway in the wrong direction, but investigators have not yet confirmed these specifics. The investigation remains active, and authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy .

Ongoing Investigation

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash, with assistance from the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office . Troopers are likely examining factors such as vehicle trajectories, potential driver impairment, mechanical failure, road conditions, and visibility issues at the time of the crash.

Officials have scheduled a forensic examination for the victim, which may help determine additional factors related to the crash, including whether any medical event contributed to the collision . The coroner’s office emphasized that such examinations are routine in fatal crash investigations.

Traffic Impact and Public Safety

Motorists traveling through the area Friday night may have experienced significant delays as emergency crews responded and investigated the scene. While lanes have since reopened, authorities remind drivers to remain cautious on interstate highways, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility can be reduced and the risk of serious crashes increases .

Fatal crashes on South Carolina roads remain a critical concern. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, dozens of people have already died on the state’s highways in 2026. In 2025, a minimum of 914 people were killed in collisions across the state . Incidents like this one on I-26 highlight the ongoing need for driver vigilance.

A Broader Look at I-26 Safety

Interstate 26, a major thoroughfare running through South Carolina from the mountains to the coast, has been the site of numerous fatal crashes in recent months. Just weeks ago, in early February 2026, two people were killed in a wrong-way crash on I-26 in Charleston County near the 216-mile marker. In that incident, a vehicle driving west in the eastbound lanes collided with an SUV, resulting in two fatalities .

In July 2025, a devastating six-car collision on I-26 in Calhoun County near mile marker 120 claimed the lives of two drivers, identified as Daniel Waln, 34, of St. Leo, Florida, and Sherry Short, 61, of Springfield. That crash occurred when a westbound sedan ran off the road, struck a cable barrier, and collided with an eastbound SUV, involving four other vehicles and injuring five people .

Similarly, in September 2024, a head-on crash on I-26 in Orangeburg County near mile marker 156 killed two drivers, Jeffrey Scott Good, 63, and Roger Darren Goodman, 59. That incident involved a Honda CRV that overcorrected after going off the road, crossed the median, and struck a Chrysler van head-on, with debris damaging three additional vehicles .

These recurring tragedies underscore the dangers posed by median crossovers, wrong-way drivers, and high-speed collisions on South Carolina interstates.

What Investigators Are Looking For

In the wake of Friday’s crash, authorities are likely focusing on several key areas:

1. Witness Statements: Investigators are seeking any drivers or passengers who may have witnessed the crash or the moments leading up to it.
2. Video Footage: Troopers may review traffic cameras or nearby business surveillance footage that could shed light on vehicle movements prior to the collision.
3. Forensic Evidence: The scheduled forensic examination will provide critical data, including toxicology reports and detailed analysis of injuries.
4. Vehicle Data: Modern vehicles often contain event data recorders (black boxes) that can reveal speed, braking, and steering inputs before a crash.

Call for Information

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Even small details can prove crucial in piecing together the events of a fatal crash .

Conclusion

The death of Robert Terry Homesley marks a somber start to the weekend for his family in Alexis, North Carolina, and for the Spartanburg County community. As the investigation continues, authorities hope to provide answers regarding how this head-on collision occurred on a busy stretch of I-26.

The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol have stated that additional updates are expected once more details are confirmed. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victim’s family and conducting a thorough, methodical investigation to bring clarity to this tragic event .