David Wayne Lay was walking alone in the early hours of Tuesday when his life was cut short by a hit‑and‑run on Highway 76 just outside Westminster. Around 1:55 a.m., he was struck in the eastbound lanes near Seed Farm Road as he made his way toward Seneca. A deputy from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office found Lay lying in the roadway. He had suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lay was 63 years old and lived in Westminster, where he was known by friends and neighbors as a quiet man who often walked the roads around town. Family members described him as someone who enjoyed simple routines and valued time spent with loved ones. This walk early Tuesday was something he did often, a part of his quiet life in the Upstate.
The driver who hit Lay fled immediately, leaving no trace at first. South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers took over the investigation with help from local deputies, combing the scene for evidence and asking anyone with information to come forward. No arrests have been made yet, and investigators are urging witnesses or residents with video footage from the area to share what they know.
An autopsy has been ordered by the coroner’s office to document Lay’s injuries and provide more details that could help the ongoing inquiry. Family and friends gathered near the scene in the daylight hours, stunned by the sudden loss and hoping law enforcement will find answers soon.
In Westminster and surrounding communities, people are talking about Lay’s death and the need for safer roads. Many residents walk early in the morning or late at night, and this collision has raised fresh concern about drivers who speed or fail to watch for pedestrians on stretches like Highway 76.
Lay’s family has asked for privacy as they mourn, remembering him for his steady presence and quiet kindness. A memorial is likely to be planned in the coming days, giving friends and neighbors a chance to share memories and support one another in a time of grief.
As the investigation continues, authorities continue to appeal for information that could lead to identifying and locating the driver who left Lay on the roadside. Anyone with knowledge of the crash is encouraged to contact authorities to help bring justice for Lay and his family.
