SUMMERTON, S.C. — The mayor of Summerton has died following a crash outside of the town in Clarendon County.
According to Master Trooper William Bennett with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Governor Richardson Road and Liberty Hill Road, roughly two miles west of Summerton.
Bennett said the crash happened when a 2010 Chevrolet Impala heading west on Governor Richardson Road and a 2013 Dodge Charger heading north on Liberty Hill Road collided. The driver and only occupant of the Chevrolet sedan was taken to McLeod Health Clarendon for treatment but died.
The driver of the Dodge Charger was also injured and taken to McLeod Health Clarendon for their injuries. Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell later confirmed that the deceased was 48-year-old Tony Junious of Summerton. Junious was elected Summerton's first Black mayor in April 2022, defeating incumbent Mac Bagnal.
Trooper Bennett said the crash is still under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.