Gregory Weitl Obituary, Death – Authorities in Horry County are investigating a deadly crash that took place Wednesday night and resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The incident occurred along Highway 707, near Hidden Woods Drive, in the Socastee area—a community known for steady evening traffic and residential neighborhoods.
The Horry County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 72-year-old Gregory Weitl, a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana. According to officials, Weitl had been trying to cross the busy roadway when he was hit by an oncoming pickup truck. The impact left him with fatal injuries, and despite emergency crews responding to the scene, he did not survive.
Authorities reported that the collision happened after dark, a time when visibility along Highway 707 can be reduced for both drivers and pedestrians. Weitl was attempting to make his way across the road when the pickup truck traveled through the area, striking him in the process. Details about the driver of the pickup truck have not been released, and no immediate indications were given about whether speed, impairment, or other factors played a role.
After the crash, a section of Highway 707 was temporarily shut down as first responders, law enforcement, and accident reconstruction teams worked to assess the scene. Firefighters and emergency medical personnel provided immediate assistance while highway officials handled traffic control to keep drivers away from the area. The closure caused delays for motorists, but it was necessary to ensure the safety of crews and to allow investigators the space needed to document evidence.
Law enforcement agencies have begun a full investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fatal incident. Typically, in cases like this, investigators review a variety of factors: lighting conditions at the time of the crash, the position of the pedestrian, potential driver distractions, and whether either party may have misjudged the speed or distance of approaching traffic. They may also examine any available surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses, as well as statements from witnesses who may have seen what happened.
Officials have not said whether the driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene, but in most pedestrian collisions, drivers are required by law to stop and cooperate with responding officers. The identity of the driver has also not been released, and no charges have been announced as of the latest update.
Highway 707 is a busy route running through several communities, including Socastee, and accidents involving pedestrians have occurred there in the past. Local residents are often encouraged to use crosswalks or well-lit areas when crossing, though in some stretches of the highway, safe pedestrian crossing points are limited. Authorities may consider these factors as they analyze whether any roadway improvements could help reduce future risks.
The death of Gregory Weitl has brought sadness to those who knew him, as well as to the community where the crash occurred. For individuals visiting or staying temporarily in the area, navigating unfamiliar roads—especially at night—can sometimes pose added challenges. Investigators will review whether Weitl was visiting the area or staying nearby before the incident.
As the inquiry continues, officials have stated that they will release more information once the investigation is complete. For now, the crash remains under active review, with officers working to determine how the events unfolded and whether any contributing factors need to be addressed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have been traveling along Highway 707 at the time or who witnessed any part of the incident to contact law enforcement as the investigation proceeds.
