Hilton Head Island, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Floyd Crespo, a tow truck operator with Rahn’s Wrecker Service, tragically lost his life on Hilton Head Island after being struck by a semi-truck while working. The incident occurred when Crespo was rolling in cables at his wrecker compartment near a trailer lift. Rahn’s Wrecker Service clarified that there was no pedestrian involved, emphasizing the necessity of road safety awareness. This marks the 16th traffic fatality in Beaufort County this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about traffic safety in the area.
Hilton Head Island – Floyd Crespo was confirmed dead by Rahn’s Wrecker Service after being struck by a semi-truck on Hilton Head Island on September 25, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m. The tragic incident occurred while Crespo was completing a trailer lift that was stuck on a curb, a routine part of his towing duties.
As part of the operation, Crespo had pulled his wrecker out of the roadway to clear the area. He was standing at his control compartment, rolling in the cables of the wrecker, when a semi-truck he had just recovered attempted to re-enter the parking lot. The semi-truck side-swiped the wrecker, pinning Crespo between the wrecker and the trailer, which ultimately led to his death. Rahn’s Wrecker Service clarified that this incident did not involve a pedestrian being hit by a semi-truck, as was reported in some local news outlets.
The towing company stressed the importance of “SLOW DOWN & MOVE OVER” for ensuring safety on the roads and requested prayers for Crespo’s family and their work family as they cope with this tragedy. The South Carolina Highway Patrol was initially investigating what they believed was a fatal pedestrian collision that reportedly occurred in the same area shortly after this incident.
The accident happened in the parking lot of the Harris Teeter on Main Street in Hilton Head Island. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office had not released the name of the deceased pedestrian as of September 26, 2025. This incident marks the 16th traffic fatality in Beaufort County for the year and the fourth pedestrian death.
Background Context
Traffic safety has always been a significant concern, especially in busy areas like Hilton Head Island where commercial and residential spaces intersect. The notable increase in traffic fatalities in Beaufort County highlights the ongoing need for awareness and caution among drivers, particularly in areas near towing operations and accident recovery situations.
Key Statistics on Traffic Fatalities in Beaufort County
Fatal incidents such as this not only disrupt families but also draw attention to high-risk areas that must be navigated more carefully. With Crespo’s death, the total fatalities related to traffic incidents this year reaches alarming figures, emphasizing the need for community action to enhance road safety.
Conclusion
This unfortunate event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by professionals in the towing industry. Crespo’s dedication to his work ultimately put him in harm’s way, and his death will undoubtedly resonate throughout Hilton Head Island and beyond.
FAQ
What happened to Floyd Crespo?
Floyd Crespo was confirmed dead by Rahn’s Wrecker Service after being struck by a semi-truck on Hilton Head Island.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on September 25, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Where did the accident take place?
The accident took place in the parking lot of the Harris Teeter on Main Street in Hilton Head Island.
How many traffic fatalities occurred in Beaufort County this year?
The accident was noted as the 16th traffic fatality in Beaufort County for the year.
What safety message did Rahn’s Wrecker Service emphasize?
Rahn’s Wrecker Service emphasized the importance of the “SLOW DOWN & MOVE OVER” message for safety.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Victim | Floyd Crespo |
| Date of Incident | September 25, 2025 |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 2:45 p.m. |
| Location | Parking lot of Harris Teeter, Main Street, Hilton Head Island |
| Cause of Death | Pinned between wrecker and trailer |
| Fatalities in Year | 16 traffic fatalities in Beaufort County, including 4 pedestrian deaths |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Semi-truck hits and kills pedestrian on Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WTOC: Wrecker service speaks out after worker killed by semi-truck
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island traffic safety
- Island Packet: Local crime news
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island traffic fatalities
- WTOC: One person dead after Hilton Head crash involving semi-truck
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic safety
- Island Packet: Local traffic news
- Google News: Hilton Head Island incident
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
