Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks - South Carolina Highway Patrol - South Carolina

On August 10, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Trooper Dennis Ricks of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, at stopped a vehicle on Interstate 26 eastbound near mile marker 166 in Orangeburg. 

When Trooper Dennis Ricks walked back to his patrol vehicle, a driver of a box truck struck him.  He was transported to Trident Medical Center in North Charleston.  He suffered a severe brain injury, internal injuries, and broken bones in his back.  He passed away three days later on August 13, 2025.  

The driver was initially charged with operating a vehicle under suspension. His charges were upgraded to reckless homicide.

Trooper Dennis Ricks had served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for almost two years. He is survived by his wife and was 30 years old.  Our prayers and condolences to Trooper Ricks' family and to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.