Hit-and-run suspect still at large after NC State student struck on Hilton Head, family asks driver to come forward

by Aaron Dixon

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - A hit-and-run suspect remains at large after a young man was struck by a vehicle on Hilton Head Island, leaving him with serious injuries and a long road to recovery.

Brayden Bulger told WTOC he doesn’t remember much from the night he was hit, but said he is grateful to be alive and thankful for the support he’s received from family and friends as he continues to heal.

What happened

Bulger and his fraternity brothers were on Hilton Head Island for their spring formal weekend when they decided to walk to their next location.

South Carolina Highway Patrol said a vehicle went through the intersection of Dunnagans Alley and Palmetto Bay Road early one morning and hit Bulger, then left the scene.

Highway Patrol has released an image of the vehicle believed to be involved and is working to identify the driver.

This is the vehicle that hit Brayden Bulger on Hilton Head Island back in April of this year.

Investigation continues

Bulger’s father, Jeff Bulger, said investigators have remained in close contact with the family as they work the case.

“They are following up on four different makes and models of cars that are registered in the general Hilton Head area,” Jeff Bulger said.

He says that investigators also have witness statements from Brayden’s friends, paint chips from the vehicle, and security footage from a nearby business.

The family is asking the driver to come forward.

“I would love for that person to come forward because it’s crazy what happened when you think about it—I was hit, and they ran,” Brayden Bulger said. “I would just like to see that person come forward because it’s the right thing to do.”

Recovery journey

Bulger suffered several broken bones, torn ligaments, and brain damage.

After being hit, he was taken to a hospital in Savannah and later transferred to Atlanta for additional care.

After weeks of procedures and therapy, Bulger is now back home with family and is walking and talking again, though he still faces more surgeries.

He said support has poured in from both his hometown and from NC State, including fundraisers organized by his fraternity and the bar where he works.

“My fraternity brothers had events like that car wash—that was really special to see people showing up for that—and also the bar I work at had an event for me that was awesome to see,” Bulger said.

Bulger said he hopes to return to N.C. State the next school year.

He is currently a sophomore and is a part of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.