SC trooper dies days after being hit by box truck

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - A South Carolina State Trooper hit by a box truck last weekend in Orangeburg County has died.

Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks passed away Wednesday night, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Ricks was hit by a truck Sunday night after a traffic stop on Interstate 26 in Orangeburg County.

Ricks had been in critical condition at a North Charleston hospital since the crash.

SCDPS said Ricks was a 2023 graduate of the South Carolina Highway Patrol academy and served with Troop 7 in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.

“This is a devastating loss for his family, for those who worked alongside him in Troop Seven and the entire Highway Patrol and DPS family. Our deepest condolences go to his wife and family as they navigate this immense loss,” the agency said.

Ricks’ wife, Jade, also provided the following statement to WIS early Thursday:

“Marrying him was the best decision I have ever made in my lifetime. There is no one better for me than him. We were truly meant to be and my heart will always belong to him.”

Nonprofit Serve & Connect has also transitioned its initial fund for Ricks’s family to a memorial fund. Click here for more information.

CONDOLENCES POUR IN

Several other law enforcement agencies and state officials shared their condolences for SCDPS on social media early Thursday:

SC Gov. Henry McMaster

“Please join Peggy and me in praying for the family, friends, and colleagues of fallen SCDPS Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks. On the day of his funeral, I will order the flags atop the Statehouse to fly at half-staff in his honor.”

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Trooper First Class Ricks during this heartbreaking time. South Carolina remains deeply grateful to those who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe.”

SC Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

“The loss of TFC Dennis Ricks is absolutely heartbreaking. My family and I are praying for his family, his loved ones, and all of his brothers & sisters with the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”

Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office

“Our prayers are with the family and friends of Trooper Ricks.”

Lexington County Sheriff’s Department

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of TFC Ricks. His courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting the community will never be forgotten. We stand with those who worked with TFC Ricks, his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Clarendon County Sheriff’s Department

“On behalf of Sheriff Baxley and the members of the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The memory of our departed brother in blue will be cherished, and his sacrifice will remain etched in our hearts.”

Chapin Police Department

“The Chapin Police Department extends our deepest condolences on the loss of Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks. Taken far too soon, his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire SCHP and SCDPS family.

Columbia Police Department

“We are lifting you all up in prayer. We comprehend how deeply this loss has affected so many in your agency & across the state. We’re sending you all of love & respect.”

Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Department

“Sheriff Leroy Ravenell and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office send our thoughts and heartfelt prayers to our brothers and sisters of the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the family of Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks during this difficult time. We got it from here now.”

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office

“The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences and unwavering support to the family, friends and fellow troopers following the tragic loss of TFC Dennis Ricks.

We mourn alongside our brothers and sisters in law enforcement as they grieve with the untimely passing of a dedicated public servant. Our thoughts and prayers are with TFC Ricks’s family, friends and the entire South Carolina Department of Public Safety and the South Carolina Highway Patrol family during this profoundly difficult time.

Trooper Ricks’s service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with those who honor his memory and uphold the values he so faithfully represented."

Lexington Police Department

“Our prayers and support are with the family of Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

TFC Ricks passed away Wednesday night, nearly four days after being hit by a vehicle while performing a traffic stop in Orangeburg County.

He was a graduate of SCHP Class 123 in September 2023, and proudly served in Troop 7 (Orangeburg, Calhoun) since then."

Camden Police Department

“The Camden Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Jack Rushing, stands in solidarity with the South Carolina Highway Patrol as we mourn the loss of Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks. Our hearts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow troopers. Your watch is complete, Trooper — we have it from here."

Sumter Police Department

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends, the state Highway Patrol, Orangeburg area first responders and all who knew Trooper 1st Class Dennis Ricks. Ricks was critically injured when he was struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop over the weekend and died Wednesday night.

ARREST MADE

The alleged driver of the box truck, 45-year-old Anthony Aydlette, was arrested after the crash and charged with driving under suspension. He was granted bond during a hearing on Monday, but it was noted that more charges could be pending as the investigation continues.

The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash, with assistance from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s Reconstruction Unit.

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