Kevin Peña Arroyo Obituary, Death Cause -Authorities in Horry County have identified the individual who lost his life in a single-vehicle crash that occurred early Saturday morning. The Horry County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the victim was 22-year-old Kevin Peña Arroyo of Myrtle Beach.
According to Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard, the crash took place shortly after midnight on Forestbrook Road near Sugar Mill Loop. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene after receiving reports of a serious crash involving a vehicle that had left the roadway. Despite their efforts, Arroyo was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol provided additional details about the incident. Investigators said Arroyo had been driving a 2006 Volvo sedan traveling south on Forestbrook Road when the vehicle veered off the right side of the road. The car then struck a ditch, overturned, and collided with a utility pole. During the crash sequence, Arroyo was thrown from the vehicle.
Officials with Horry County Fire Rescue also responded to assist with the emergency. The crash caused significant damage to the utility pole and resulted in downed power lines in the area. As a safety precaution, Forestbrook Road was temporarily closed while utility crews worked to repair the damaged lines and restore service. The road remained closed for several hours before reopening later in the day.
Authorities have not released any information suggesting that other vehicles were involved in the incident. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation to determine what may have caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. Factors such as speed, road conditions, and possible mechanical issues will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Local residents reported that the crash caused a brief power outage and that crews from the electric company were on-site through the early morning hours to ensure the area was safe before restoring power. Police officers directed traffic around the affected area and urged drivers to find alternate routes while emergency workers completed their work.
Friends and community members expressed sadness over the loss of Arroyo, describing him as a kind and hardworking young man who was known and loved in the Myrtle Beach area. Many have shared condolences with his family and are remembering him fondly.
Authorities used the occasion to remind drivers about the importance of staying alert and cautious, particularly during late-night hours when visibility is reduced. Law enforcement officials stressed that rural and semi-rural roads, such as Forestbrook Road, can be especially dangerous due to limited lighting, curves, and narrow shoulders.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to analyze evidence from the scene, including skid marks, vehicle damage, and other physical indicators that may help determine the events leading up to the crash. A full accident reconstruction report will be completed once the investigation is finalized.
Emergency responders from Horry County Fire Rescue commended the coordinated efforts of all personnel who worked to manage the scene, including first responders, police officers, and utility workers. They noted that the quick response helped minimize further risk from the downed power lines and ensured the safety of the surrounding community.
Officials also extended their condolences to Arroyo’s family and friends, emphasizing that tragic incidents like this serve as a reminder of how fragile life can be and how crucial road safety awareness is for all drivers.
Community safety advocates in the area are once again calling attention to the need for careful nighttime driving and adherence to posted speed limits. They also encourage drivers to ensure that vehicles are properly maintained and to avoid distractions behind the wheel.
As of now, the South Carolina Highway Patrol has not released additional details or any findings from the investigation. More information is expected to be made public once the inquiry is complete.
The Horry County community continues to mourn the loss of Kevin Peña Arroyo, a young man whose life was cut short far too soon. Authorities say they remain committed to determining the cause of the crash and using those findings to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
