SALUDA COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities have identified a man found dead on Wednesday night as a person reported missing earlier in the week in Saluda County.
The Saluda County Coroner's Office said it responded to the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Beulah Road near West Creek Bridge on Wednesday night. Details show that, at some point, the vehicle left the road and went into the creek. Authorities haven't said when they believe the crash happened but that the vehicle wasn't found until that night due to weather conditions and water levels.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 25-year-old Nolan Ridge of Saluda County, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities had been looking for Ridge since he was reported missing on Sunday. Authorities said he was heading to Batesburg-Leesville but never arrived.
The coroner's office said it is investigating the crash along with the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Saluda County Sheriff's Office. It also thanked the Newberry County Water Rescue and Dive Team for their assistance. The coroner has scheduled an autopsy for later in the week.