WARE SHOALS, South Carolina — Just after sunrise on a chilly Tuesday morning, 72-year-old Timothy Allen Goldman of Ninety Six lost his life in a heartbreaking crash that has stunned his family and the tight-knit Upstate community. Goldman was struck by a vehicle while walking along Highway 25 in Greenwood County around 6:30 a.m., according to the coroner’s office.
The early morning calm shattered when emergency responders raced to the scene after reports of a collision. When they arrived, Goldman was found with critical injuries. Despite the swift efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials say blunt force trauma was the cause of death.
Goldman was described by neighbors as a familiar face in the area, often seen out and about in his community. Loved ones say he was walking on a stretch of road known to residents but lacking safe pedestrian paths when the tragic incident occurred. His family is now left grappling with the sudden loss of a father, grandfather, and friend.
The Greenwood County Coroner’s Office has ruled Goldman’s death accidental, but investigators from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the coroner’s team continue to comb through evidence from the scene to understand exactly how the crash unfolded. Officials haven’t released details about the vehicle or driver involved, and say the investigation is still ongoing.
For the community around Ware Shoals and Ninety Six, news of Goldman’s passing has brought both grief and reflection. Neighbors remember him as someone who lit up conversations with his warm smile and steady presence. Church members and longtime friends have begun sharing their memories, turning to each other for comfort.
Many in the area are also raising concerns about roadway safety, especially on early morning commutes when visibility is low and traffic flows can be unpredictable. Pedestrian safety advocates point to the need for better lighting, clearer signage, and safe shoulders on busy roads like Highway 25 to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As gold light chased away the darkest part of Tuesday’s dawn, a community mourns and prays for healing. Goldman’s family has asked for privacy as they begin to plan services and celebrate the life of a man many here say touched hearts with everyday kindness. Amid sorrow, they hope his memory reminds others how precious life is and how quickly it can change.
