A tragic crash in Orangeburg County on Sunday evening claimed the life of 42-year-old Charlie Shuler of Santee, South Carolina, leaving family members, friends, and neighbors mourning the sudden loss of a man remembered for his kindness, humility, and deep connection to his community.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 8:30 p.m. on May 24, 2026, at the intersection of South Carolina Highway 6 and Tee Vee Road. Investigators said Shuler was driving a 2018 Dodge sedan southbound on Tee Vee Road when he attempted to make a left turn onto Highway 6. At the same time, a 2023 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling westbound along the highway.
Authorities said the tractor-trailer struck the passenger side of Shuler’s vehicle after he entered the intersection. The impact pushed the car off the roadway and into a nearby drainage ditch. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but Shuler was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was injured and transported to a regional medical center for treatment. Officials said the driver is expected to recover and is cooperating with investigators. No charges have been filed as the South Carolina Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the collision.
For those who knew him, Shuler was far more than the victim of a traffic accident. Friends described him as a hardworking and caring man who spent much of his life in Santee, a close-knit town near Lake Marion. He was known for helping neighbors, spending weekends fishing, and maintaining close ties with his family.
Loved ones said Shuler was especially devoted to his nieces and nephews, often taking them fishing and teaching them life lessons along the way. Family members are now remembering him as a quiet but dependable presence whose kindness touched many throughout the Santee community.