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Tragedy Strikes in Lexington County: Young Girl Loses Life in DUI Accident

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Scene of a DUI accident on U.S. Highway 21 with damaged vehicles.

News Summary

A heartbreaking DUI accident occurred in Lexington County, resulting in the tragic death of 5-year-old Leah Charlotte Flores-Izaguirre. The collision involved two vehicles and has left the community in mourning. The driver responsible faces felony DUI charges. This incident raises alarm about road safety and the devastating consequences of impaired driving.

Tragedy Strikes in Lexington County: Young Girl Loses Life in DUI Accident

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. – A devastating accident occurred early Saturday morning that has left a community grieving. Just before dawn, at around 3:35 a.m., a terrible collision involving two vehicles on U.S. Highway 21 took the life of a precious 5-year-old girl, Leah Charlotte Flores-Izaguirre, from West Columbia.

The Details of the Crash

Authorities reported that the crash involved a 2014 Ford SUV carrying three individuals and a 2013 Dodge Charger with one occupant, both of which were traveling southbound on U.S. 21. As fate would have it, the two vehicles collided, leading to a series of unfortunate events. The force of the impact sent the Ford SUV veering off to the right, causing it to hit a ditch and subsequently overturn. The Dodge Charger careened off to the left side of the road, crashing into a nearby fence.

Tragic Outcome

Leah, who, according to reports, was properly wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was rushed to a local hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family and friends heartbroken. Two other passengers in the Ford SUV also sustained injuries, but thankfully, those injuries were non-life-threatening. But it was a day filled with darkness; for Leah’s family, nothing will ever be the same.

Charges Against the Driver

The driver of the Dodge Charger, identified as 43-year-old Maurice Orlando Matthews, was also taken to the hospital after the crash. Following his treatment, Matthews was arrested and now faces serious legal consequences. He has been charged with felony DUI resulting in death as well as driving under suspension, which stems from a previous DUI arrest—his second such offense. This situation raises many questions about the implications of driving under the influence and the devastating realities it can lead to.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

Leah’s tragic death marks her as the fourth reported traffic-related fatality in Lexington County this year, highlighting a further concern about road safety. According to statistics from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 130 people have lost their lives on roads in the state as of March 16, 2025. This staggering number serves as a grim reminder of the consequences that accompany reckless driving.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is continuing to investigate the incident, which is being examined by their Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) in conjunction with the Lexington County Coroner’s Office and various authorities. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on how such a tragic event could occur on local roads.

Safety Reminders

While we mourn the loss of a young life, this incident serves as an alarming wake-up call for our community. The importance of safe driving and the perils of DUI cannot be overstated. Local citizens are encouraged to take these events seriously and make responsible choices when behind the wheel. It’s essential to not only think about oneself but also about the innocent lives that can be affected by a moment of bad judgment.

The loss of little Leah Charlotte Flores-Izaguirre is not just a number on a report; it’s a reminder to prioritize road safety and the well-being of everyone on the road. May her family find the comfort they need during this incredibly difficult time.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

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