Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office Captain Dies In Collision

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The Oconee County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that a veteran deputy with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) died Thursday night in a motorcycle crash.

According to authorities, Capt. Steven “Steve” Henderson, 49, of Duncan, S.C., was killed when his motorcycle collided head-on with another vehicle around 8:16 p.m. on Pickens Highway near Gilbert Drive, north of Walhalla.

He was wearing a helmet but died at the scene from “multiple blunt force injuries,” according to Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis.

The condition of the other driver involved in the collision remains unknown.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) confirmed deputies responded to the crash but referred all questions to the S.C. Highway Patrol (SCHP), which is leading the investigation. SCHP has since confirmed with FITSNews only that the incident occurred in Oconee County.

SCHP has since confirmed to FITSNews that Henderson’s 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle crossed the center line and struck an oncoming Chevy Suburban. 

Authorities said the driver of the Suburban was transported to Oconee Memorial Hospital, but their condition remains unconfirmed at this time.

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“It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Captain Steve Henderson has tragically passed away,” SCSO wrote on Facebook Friday morning. “Captain Henderson spent a significant portion of his life serving the citizens of Spartanburg County in various roles throughout our agency.”

Henderson joined the agency in 2005, during former sheriff Chuck Wright’s first year in office, and spent much of his career in the K-9 Unit as a handler, sergeant, and later lieutenant. He went on to lead Special Services as first lieutenant before being promoted to captain over uniform patrol.

He also served on the SWAT Team, according to SCSO, and earned numerous awards and commendations over his career, including the Medal of Valor, multiple Deputy of the Quarter honors and K-9 Handler of the Year for five consecutive years.

Before his law enforcement career, Henderson served in the United States Air Force from 1994 to 1998.

Thursday’s tragedy comes amid a multi-agency investigation into Wright, as Spartanburg County prepares for a closely watched sheriff’s race between Bill Rhyne and Rusty Clevenger set for Tuesday, August 19.

This story may be updated.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

Andrew Fancher is a Lone Star Emmy award-winning journalist from Dallas, Texas. Cut from a bloodline of outlaws and lawmen alike, he was the first of his family to graduate college which was accomplished with honors. Got a story idea or news tip for Andy? Email him directly and connect with him socially across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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