A quiet early morning on Interstate 26 turned tragic when 67-year-old Michael Nanna of Inman lost his life in a devastating tractor-trailer crash in Laurens County.
According to authorities, the fatal wreck happened around 3:40 a.m. Wednesday near mile marker 48 on Interstate 26. Emergency crews were dispatched after reports of a single-vehicle collision involving an 18-wheeler.
When first responders arrived, they found the tractor-trailer heavily damaged. Officials later confirmed that Nanna was behind the wheel and was the only person inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
The Laurens County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene as part of the investigation. Deputy Coroner Brandon Cromer, Chief Deputy Coroner Ashley Rushton, and Coroner Patti Canupp assisted in examining the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.
Authorities said Nanna suffered severe injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the tractor-trailer to leave the roadway or crash. Officials have also not released any information indicating whether weather conditions, mechanical issues, or road factors played a role.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Laurens County Coroner’s Office are continuing to work together to piece together exactly what happened during the moments leading up to the collision. Evidence from the scene is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Back in Inman, the loss has left family members, friends, and community members grieving a man whose life ended unexpectedly on a stretch of highway before sunrise. As loved ones await answers, investigators continue searching for the facts behind the tragic crash.
At this time, no additional details have been released, and the investigation remains active.
