AIKEN COUNTY, SC — The Aiken County Coroner’s Office is investigating the tragic death of Benny Clayton, a 56-year-old man from Warrenville, South Carolina, who died after being struck by a vehicle on a flatbed car hauler trailer. The incident occurred Tuesday night, July 29, 2025, when Clayton was working on repositioning or unloading a truck at his home on Hillvale Street in Warrenville, South Carolina.

Details of the Incident

According to authorities, Benny Clayton was working on moving the truck from a flatbed car hauler trailer at around 9:28 p.m. when the vehicle unexpectedly shifted. This sudden movement caused the truck to collapse on top of him, trapping Clayton beneath it. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the call and attempted life-saving measures.

Despite their efforts, Clayton was confirmed dead at the scene at 10:05 p.m. The cause of death was determined to be blunt-force trauma, consistent with the impact caused by the weight of the truck.

Ongoing Investigation and Cause of Death

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office confirmed that no autopsy will be performed in this case, but the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are carefully looking into the circumstances surrounding Clayton’s death, including whether any safety mechanisms or precautions were in place at the time of the incident.

Initial findings suggest that Clayton was in the process of repositioning or unloading the truck when it suddenly shifted and came down on top of him. Authorities have not released specific details about the equipment involved or whether it had any mechanical issues or malfunctions. Investigators are also examining whether safety features like brakes or stabilizing mechanisms were engaged at the time, or if improper procedures were followed while working with the vehicle.

Given the nature of the accident and the potential hazards of working with heavy vehicles, authorities are keen to ensure that all factors surrounding the event are thoroughly investigated.

Benny Clayton’s Life and Legacy

Benny Clayton was known in the Warrenville community as a hardworking and dependable man. While details about his personal life remain limited, those who knew him described him as someone who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. His sudden death has left a significant void in the lives of his loved ones, friends, and the local community.

Family and friends have expressed their shock and sorrow over his tragic passing, remembering Clayton as a dedicated father and a man who was always ready to help others.

“I’ve known Benny for years, and he was one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met,” said a longtime friend of Clayton. “He would do anything for his family and his friends. This loss is incredibly painful for all of us.”

Clayton’s family members have requested privacy during this difficult time, but they have expressed their gratitude for the support they have received from the community. Tributes have poured in on social media from those who knew him, with many sharing fond memories of his kindness and generosity.

Safety Concerns and Community Impact

This tragic accident highlights the dangers associated with working around heavy machinery and vehicles, especially in situations where the vehicles are being moved or loaded. The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety, particularly in private settings where individuals may be working on or around vehicles without proper safety protocols in place.

Aiken County Deputy Chief of Police, Joseph McAllister, spoke about the importance of safety measures when working with large vehicles: “This is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks involved in working around heavy equipment, and it’s crucial that people understand the importance of following proper safety protocols,” McAllister said. “We need to ensure that this doesn’t happen to anyone else. It’s a tragedy that could have been prevented.”

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office has also expressed concern about the lack of safety measures in place to prevent such accidents. “We know that accidents like this can happen quickly, but we must take steps to ensure that proper safety procedures are followed when working with large, heavy vehicles,” said Coroner Tim Carroll.

Clayton’s death has sparked renewed discussions in the community and among safety organizations about the need for greater safety awareness and education on the risks of working with heavy equipment. Local organizations are considering offering workshops and seminars on safe practices for people who work around or with heavy machinery and vehicles, particularly in residential or non-commercial settings.

Community and Family Support

In the wake of Benny Clayton’s tragic death, the Warrenville community has come together to support his family and offer their condolences. Friends and family members have expressed their grief and shared their fond memories of Clayton on social media and through community gatherings. The emotional toll of this incident is profound, as the community rallies around Clayton’s family to offer assistance.

The family has also requested privacy but has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to Clayton’s family during this difficult time.

“Benny was a staple in our community,” said one neighbor. “He was always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Now, we are all here for his family, doing whatever we can to help them through this painful time.”

Calls for Improved Safety Standards

While the investigation continues, some community members have called for stricter safety measures and regulations regarding the use of flatbed trailers and other equipment used to move vehicles. Many believe that this tragedy could have been prevented had better safety measures been in place.

“We need to make sure that equipment like this is being used properly and that it’s safe for anyone working around it,” said a local advocate. “We can’t let something like this happen again.”

Local authorities have expressed their commitment to ensuring that the investigation is thorough and that steps are taken to improve safety standards in the future. “Our goal is to make sure that this tragedy leads to change and that we take every possible step to protect the safety of workers and the community,” said Deputy Chief McAllister.

The Ongoing Investigation

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the cause of Benny Clayton’s death. Authorities are reviewing all the details surrounding the incident, including witness testimony, forensic evidence, and photos taken at the scene. The investigation will likely continue for several weeks, as authorities work to confirm the exact sequence of events and determine if any laws or safety regulations were violated.

No official conclusions have been made yet about whether Clayton’s death was caused by mechanical failure or human error, but investigators are exploring both possibilities. They have also indicated that the possibility of negligence or failure to adhere to safety protocols will be thoroughly examined.

Conclusion

Benny Clayton’s sudden death has left a hole in the Warrenville community, and the grief felt by his family and friends is profound. His tragic passing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with working on or around heavy vehicles, and the need for proper safety precautions. While the Aiken County Coroner’s Office continues its investigation, the focus is on understanding how this accident occurred and ensuring that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the investigation unfolds, Clayton’s family and the community are left to mourn the loss of a man who was loved and respected by many. His family, friends, and neighbors will continue to remember him for his kindness, work ethic, and commitment to helping others.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the details surrounding the incident, and more information will be made available as the investigation progresses.

If you have any information regarding this incident, authorities urge you to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.