Lexington Mourns the Sudden Loss of Zackary Ryan Rose After Fatal Pedestrian Accident in West Columbia
Lexington, SC — A somber cloud hangs over the Lexington community as residents come to terms with the tragic and sudden loss of Zackary Ryan Rose, a 30-year-old Lexington resident who was fatally struck by a vehicle on the evening of April 30, 2025, while crossing Augusta Road in the West Columbia area.
According to the Lexington County Coroner’s Office, Zackary was attempting to cross the roadway when he was hit by an oncoming vehicle. First responders rushed to the scene shortly after the incident, which occurred around 9:15 p.m., but despite their best efforts, Zackary succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver involved remained on site and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation by the West Columbia Police Department and South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The tragedy has left Zackary’s family, friends, and the broader Lexington community devastated. Known for his kind heart, infectious smile, and the compassion he showed to everyone he met, Zackary’s sudden passing has created a void that words can scarcely begin to describe.
Zackary, affectionately known as “Zack” by those closest to him, was a native of Lexington who carried with him a deep love for his hometown. He was a graduate of Lexington High School and had recently been working in the local service industry while making plans to return to school to further his career. Friends describe him as someone who was always looking out for others — the kind of person who’d give you the shirt off his back, offer a ride without hesitation, or lend an ear during a tough time.
“He had this quiet strength,” said longtime friend Megan Douglas. “Zack didn’t need to be the loudest in the room — he just made you feel like you mattered. That was his gift.”
Zack’s love for music, the outdoors, and his family was well known to all who spent time with him. Whether he was strumming his guitar on the front porch, hiking through South Carolina’s scenic trails, or helping his mom with errands, Zack approached life with authenticity and generosity.
The accident has also sparked renewed discussions around pedestrian safety in the West Columbia area, especially along Augusta Road, which residents say has long been a concern due to limited crosswalks, poor lighting, and heavy traffic volumes. Community members are urging city officials to review safety measures in the area to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
In the wake of Zack’s passing, a memorial fund has been established to assist his family with funeral costs and to support local pedestrian safety initiatives in his honor. A candlelight vigil is scheduled to be held at Gibson Pond Park on Saturday evening, where loved ones will gather to celebrate Zackary’s life and legacy.
In a statement, Zack’s family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received and asked for privacy as they process their grief.
“Zack was light, love, and laughter,” the family said. “He left this world far too soon, but we are comforted by the love shown by friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. We will never stop missing him.”
As Lexington continues to mourn, the memory of Zackary Ryan Rose lives on — not only in the hearts of those who knew him, but in the shared commitment to make the community safer and more compassionate in his name.