After those initial impacts, the Ford pickup crossed the center line—whether from loss of control or mechanical failure remains under investigation—and slammed into a 2019 Nissan sedan and a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, which were traveling eastbound. The force of the impact between the westbound and eastbound vehicles caused devastating structural damage.

Moments later, a 2024 Toyota Sienna van, unable to stop in time, collided with both the Ford and the Chevrolet pickup, adding to the pileup. It was in the Chevrolet pickup that Juan Tahual-Lopez was riding—he suffered catastrophic injuries in the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders from Beaufort County EMS.

Victim Identified: Remembering Juan Tahual-Lopez

Family members, grieving in private and public, described Juan Tahual-Lopez as a devoted family man whose greatest joy in life was raising his four daughters alongside his wife, Maria Lopez. Originally from Guatemala, Juan had called Beaufort home for nearly two decades and worked in residential construction, where he was respected for his craftsmanship and work ethic.

“He was always smiling, always helping others,” said Jorge Castillo, a longtime friend and co-worker. “You couldn’t find a better man—he worked hard every day, came home, and lived for his girls. That’s all he talked about.”

Juan was well known in his neighborhood for volunteering at local church functions and assisting newcomers in the immigrant community. Father Thomas Garcia of the local parish described him as “a man of deep humility and quiet strength.”

“Every Saturday, Juan would help us set up for Mass,” Father Garcia recalled. “He would bring his daughters, teach them how to serve, how to respect others. He built more than homes—he built community.”

Impact on the Family: A Household Shattered

Juan is survived by his wife Maria and their four daughters—Sofia (16), Elena (13), Camila (10), and Lucia (7). In a heartbreaking statement shared by a family representative, Maria said, “Juan was the foundation of our family. Every moment was for us. Every sacrifice. We are lost without him.”

A GoFundMe campaign launched by community members surpassed $50,000 in 48 hours, reflecting the profound empathy of the Beaufort and Bluffton communities. Proceeds will go toward funeral expenses and long-term support for the girls’ education and well-being.

Other Individuals Involved in the Crash

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has not yet released the names of the other drivers involved, but confirmed that several individuals were transported to Hilton Head Hospital and Beaufort Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Ford pickup, whose actions initiated the sequence of collisions, remains under investigation. No charges have been filed at this time, but authorities have stated that toxicology testing and mechanical inspections are underway.

“Right now, our primary concern is the family of Mr. Tahual-Lopez and the well-being of the other individuals injured in this crash,” said Trooper Bolt. “We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what caused this tragic chain of events.”

Community Response and Mourning

The loss of Juan Tahual-Lopez has spurred an outpouring of grief and solidarity across Beaufort County. Vigils have been planned at both Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Port Royal Community Center, where Juan volunteered his time.

Neighbors are leaving flowers, candles, and hand-written notes at the family’s front yard fence. Messages of support from elected officials and local clergy have filled social media.

“We mourn the loss of Mr. Tahual-Lopez alongside his family,” said Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka. “This is a tragedy that affects us all. We extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and will support them in every way possible.”

Local school officials have also stepped in to provide grief counselors for the daughters, who attend public schools in the Beaufort County School District.

Highway Safety Questions Raised

The fatal collision has reignited community concerns about U.S. Highway 278, a heavily trafficked route with a known history of accidents. Residents and officials alike are calling for an immediate review of traffic patterns, speed enforcement, and visibility at the intersection of White Oak Circle.

“This is not the first serious crash at this location,” said Samantha Briggs, a local resident and mother of three. “There are blind spots, speeding is constant, and there’s not enough traffic control.”

County officials have pledged to collaborate with the South Carolina Department of Transportation to conduct a full safety audit of the stretch of highway where the crash occurred.

A Life Remembered

As the investigation continues and the community processes its loss, those closest to Juan Tahual-Lopez are focused on honoring his legacy. A public memorial service will be held this weekend at the church he attended, followed by a funeral procession through Beaufort’s historic district—symbolizing the deep roots Juan planted in the community he came to call home.

“Juan was more than a victim,” said his friend Jorge. “He was a builder—in every sense of the word. He built homes, he built friendships, and he built a family that will never stop loving him.”

The tragic accident on May 19 has left behind more than just wrecked vehicles—it has left a family without a father, a wife without a husband, and a community without one of its quiet heroes. As the sun sets over Beaufort and Bluffton this week, hundreds of candles will burn in memory of Juan Tahual-Lopez, a man taken far too soon but remembered with enduring love.

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