Laurens County ,SC :Airman Robert Richard Edward Hicks, 23, killed after thrown from bike in Upstate highway crash on Saturday morning ,September 12th 2015

Motorcyclist has died after being hit by a car in Laurens County, South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Bill Rhyne said.


The accident happened just after midnight on Saturday morning on Interstate 26.

Laurens County Coroner Francis "Nick" Nichols said Robert Richard Edward Hicks, 23, of Elgin died of blunt force trauma to his head and body.

Rhyne said Hicks was westbound on a 2006 Yamaha when it was struck by a 2006 four-door Nissan going in the same direction, Rhyne said.

The Nissan made a lane change, striking the motorcyclist, who was not wearing a helmet and was thrown from the bike, Rhyne said.

Nichols said Hicks was riding with a group of other motorcyclists.

"One of the witnesses said (Hicks) was having troubles with his motor and slowed down," Nichols told WYFF. "He was hit from behind. The witness said he saw the body go up into the air."

Nichols said the motorcycle continued to roll off the interstate to the right, and the body landed in the middle of the right lane.

Rhyne said the car then went off the right side of the highway and struck some trees.

No charges have been filed at this time and the driver of the Nissan was not injured in the collision, Rhyne said.

Hicks was a full-time member of the U.S. Air Force, Nichols said.

The collision is still under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.


Source:
Motorcyclist thrown from bike in Upstate highway crash