AIKEN COUNTY, SC — A tragic incident has claimed the life of Benny Clayton, a 56-year-old man from Warrenville, South Carolina, after he was fatally injured while working with a vehicle on a flatbed car hauler trailer on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Clayton was found beneath a truck at his home on Hillvale Street in Warrenville, and authorities are investigating the details of the accident that led to his death.

Details of the Incident

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene at approximately 9:28 p.m., after reports of a man trapped beneath a vehicle on a flatbed trailer. Upon arrival, emergency responders found Benny Clayton lying under a truck that appeared to have unexpectedly shifted while he was moving or unloading it from the trailer. Clayton was reportedly in the process of repositioning or unloading the truck when the vehicle suddenly shifted and collapsed onto him, trapping him underneath.

Emergency responders worked quickly to assess the situation and attempt life-saving measures. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, Clayton was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:05 p.m. The cause of death was determined to be blunt-force trauma, consistent with the impact of the truck falling on him.

Investigation and Cause of Death

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that no autopsy will be performed, but the investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing. Authorities are working to confirm all details surrounding the tragic event and to determine whether any safety precautions were in place at the time of the accident.

Initial findings indicate that Clayton was in the process of working on moving or unloading the truck when the vehicle unexpectedly shifted. It is still unclear whether mechanical failure or human error contributed to the vehicle’s movement. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate whether proper safety mechanisms were in place to prevent such accidents, and they are looking into whether additional factors, such as the ground’s condition or equipment malfunctions, may have contributed to the incident.

At this time, authorities have not released specific details about the equipment involved, including the type of truck and trailer used. The focus of the ongoing investigation is to determine how the accident occurred and to ensure that all factors contributing to the tragedy are fully understood.

A Community in Mourning

The sudden death of Benny Clayton has devastated his family, friends, and the Warrenville community. Known for his hardworking nature and dedication to his family, Clayton’s tragic passing has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew him. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand.

“Benny was a kind and generous man who would do anything for his family,” said a longtime friend of Clayton. “He was hardworking and always there when you needed him. It’s hard to believe he’s gone, and his family is in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”

Friends have taken to social media to express their grief and remember Clayton’s life. “We’ve lost a good man, and the world is a little less bright without him,” said one message from a close friend. “Benny was one of the good ones, and he will be deeply missed.”

Clayton’s family has asked for privacy as they navigate the pain of their loss. However, they have expressed their gratitude for the support and kindness shown by the community.

Dangers of Working with Heavy Equipment

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers involved in working with heavy equipment and vehicles, particularly when they are being moved, unloaded, or loaded. In many cases, such work can involve substantial risks, especially if safety protocols or mechanisms are not in place to prevent accidents like this one.

Authorities have noted that this incident highlights the need for strict adherence to safety practices when working around large vehicles and heavy machinery. Aiken County Deputy Chief Joseph McAllister expressed concerns over the lack of safety mechanisms in place to prevent such accidents, stressing the importance of proper safety protocols.

“Working with heavy equipment requires great caution, especially when it involves vehicles on a trailer,” McAllister said. “This tragic loss is a reminder of the importance of safety measures and ensuring that all equipment is properly secured and in working order before beginning any tasks.”

Local workers who are familiar with similar equipment have also expressed concern about the importance of having proper training and safety measures in place. “In situations like this, securing the vehicle, checking the stability of the ground, and ensuring everything is properly aligned is essential,” said a local truck driver who wished to remain anonymous. “It only takes one moment for something to go wrong, and when you’re dealing with equipment this heavy, the consequences can be fatal.”

Support for the Family

In the wake of Clayton’s tragic death, friends, family, and neighbors have rallied to support his loved ones. Local churches and community organizations have offered counseling services, and a GoFundMe campaign has been started to help with funeral expenses and to support Clayton’s family during this difficult time. The campaign has already received numerous donations from community members and those who were touched by Clayton’s kindness and generosity.

The Warrenville community has shown overwhelming support, with many local residents offering their condolences and sharing memories of Clayton. His loss has left a deep impact, and many are coming together to ensure his family has the support they need to get through the challenging days ahead.

“Benny was always there for others, and now it’s time for us to be there for his family,” said a neighbor who contributed to the GoFundMe campaign. “This is a community that cares, and we’ll help them through this, just like Benny would have done for anyone else.”

Looking Ahead: The Investigation and Safety Considerations

As the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Benny Clayton’s death, more information is expected to emerge in the coming weeks. Authorities are focused on gathering all available evidence and ensuring that the details surrounding this tragic incident are fully understood.

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that no foul play is suspected at this time, and they are focusing their investigation on the circumstances of the accident. As the investigation continues, there may be further inquiries into whether safety procedures were properly followed and whether improvements can be made to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In the coming months, there may be renewed conversations about safety standards for workers in industries involving the handling of heavy vehicles and equipment. Experts suggest that this incident may prompt lawmakers, businesses, and safety organizations to evaluate and reinforce current protocols to ensure the safety of workers who handle these types of vehicles.

Conclusion

The accidental death of Benny Clayton has left a profound impact on the Warrenville community. Known for his hardworking spirit and dedication to his family, Clayton’s sudden death has deeply affected everyone who knew him. His family, friends, and the community are struggling with the loss of a man whose life was tragically taken too soon.

As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, the focus remains on ensuring that all the details surrounding the tragic event are fully understood. Clayton’s family has expressed their gratitude for the support they have received and continues to honor his memory through local campaigns and gatherings.

While the investigation into this tragic accident continues, the importance of safety measures and protocols when working with heavy equipment is becoming a key point of discussion. This event serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by individuals in high-risk occupations and the need for continued vigilance in safety practices.

The community continues to mourn Clayton’s loss, but they remain united in their efforts to support his loved ones and ensure that his memory is honored in the days, weeks, and months to come.

Stay tuned for updates as the investigation progresses.

If you have any information regarding the accident, please contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.