Anderson, S.C : Volunteer Fireman Killed in Hit-and-run crash on Highway 76 at Sandy Springs Road on Sunday night, February 15, 2015

A man has been charged in a deadly hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a volunteer firefighter in Anderson County Sunday night.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the fatal crash on US-76 at Sandy Springs Road about 9 p.m.

Coroner Josh Shore said Kenneth Stanton of Pendleton, 52, was transported to the hospital for injuries suffered in the wreck.

Shore said Stanton suffered head trauma and succumbed to injuries in the hospital shortly thereafter.

Stanton's cousin, Jason Pruitt, said Stanton was a volunteer firefighter at Sandy Springs Fire Department. He said Stanton was assisting with a wreck that had already occurred when he was struck by a vehicle.

"Kenny was a great man who would go out of his way to help anyone," Pruitt said. "He loved being a firefighter and serving the community. He was a former Marine and friend to everyone."

Troopers said 64-year-old Charles Pickens was driving the 2004 Chevy Suburban that hit Stanton.

Troopers said Pickens went around emergency equipment and struck Stanton in the roadway.

Pickens then drove away from the scene, troopers said.

Investigators tracked down Pickens at his home a short time later.

Pickens was charged with felony driving under the influence resulting in death and leaving the scene of an accident, according to online jail records.

Pickens is currently being held in the Anderson County Detention Center as is expected to face a judge Monday afternoon.

Highway 76 was closed for several hours as reconstruction teams investigated the wreck. The highway reopened early Monday morning.

Source :
Deputy coroner: Firefighter killed in wreck