VALLEY FALLS, SC (Apr 02, 2026) – A 41-year-old man was killed early Thursday in a pedestrian crash near Valley Falls in Spartanburg County.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Joshua Edward Gowan was struck by a northbound Nissan Rogue on Highway 9 near Mike Drive at about 5:13 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the state’s fatality rate for vehicle miles traveled between 2017 and 2021 exceeded the national average. In 2021, South Carolina’s rate of 2.08 was about 42% higher than the national average of 1.37.
“In most cases, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing streets, even outside marked crosswalks,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, stressed that independent investigations are critical in such cases to protect victims’ families.
“Having the proper resources is essential to investigate a pedestrian accident and establish negligence,” Bond added. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting must be carefully evaluated. These steps are necessary to help families obtain justice.”
While drivers are generally expected to yield, pedestrians still face daily risks. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimated 6,721 pedestrian deaths in 2020, an increase from 2019.
Pending the investigation, the family of Joshua Edward Gowan may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
“The emotional toll after losing a loved one in an accident can be overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand what families go through, and protecting their rights is essential. An attorney will monitor the investigation and work to safeguard their best interests.”
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
If you or a family member were injured or have lost a loved one in an accident and would like the official Accident Report, Bond Legal can offer their assistance.
Personal Injury Lawyers
Bond Legal works with Accident Injury News to provide these news updates because we are passionate about helping victims and their families and hold those who are responsible accountable to make our communities safer. If you would like us to help you and your family, please contact us through one of the methods below.
Hello, I am Candice Bond*, and the law firm of Bond Legal works closely with victims and their families impacted by a variety of accidents and tragedies.
If you or a family member were injured or have lost a loved one in an accident or incident contact us now.
We're available 24/7. Click to chat with a live representative now.
Bond Legal representatives are available 24/7.
866-986-7738
Personal Injury Lawyers
Bond Legal is organized as an LLC in Illinois and as a Professional Corporation in California. Bond Legal LLC lawyers are licensed in AL, AR, FL, GA, HI, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NM, NC, NY, OH, OK, OR, SC, TN, UT, WI, and WV. Bond Legal PC lawyers are licensed in CA, CO, IA, IL, TX, and WA. Legal services are limited to the foregoing states. *Candice Bond is licensed in CA, IA, IL, TX & WA only and can be contacted at 17500 Red Hill Ave. #100, Irvine, CA 92614, 949-988-7100, cmbond@bondlegalgroup.com. +Client may be responsible for costs and expenses. "Pay $0 Unless We Win For You," refers only to contingent fees charged by the attorney. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client. Some cases may be co-counseled with other lawyers. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This is a paid advertisement.
Loading...