By Noah Feit
The State
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — A trooper has died days after he was hit by a vehicle while he was making a traffic stop in the line of duty, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks died Wednesday night, the Highway Patrol said.
“It is with deep sadness that SCDPS announces the loss of one of our own, Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks,” the Highway Patrol said Thursday morning on social media.
Ricks was critically injured Sunday and had to be airlifted to a hospital after he was hit by a passing box truck while conducting a traffic stop in Orangeburg County, The State previously reported.
The trooper had pulled over a vehicle at about 2 a.m. on the eastbound side of Interstate 26 near mile marker 165, according to the Highway Patrol.
No other injuries were reported.
Ricks, who has been with the Highway Patrol since January 2023, was assigned to Troop 7, Post B, which includes Calhoun and Orangeburg counties, according to the Highway Patrol.
“This is a devastating loss for his family, for those who worked alongside him in Troop Seven and the entire Highway Patrol and DPS family,” the Highway Patrol said. “Our deepest condolences go to his wife and family as they navigate this immense loss.”
The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office is leading an investigation into the crash, and it asked Lexington County Sheriff’s Department to assist, the Highway Patrol previously said.
Alleged box truck driver Anthony Aydlette was arrested after the crash, WIS reported. The 45-year-old Hanahan resident was charged with driving under suspension (first offense) Sunday and posted a $647.50 bond the next day, Orangeburg County court records show. Aydlette is scheduled to return to court on the charge on Aug. 21, according to judicial records.
In both 1998 and 1999, Aydlette was found guilty on separate charges of careless operation, Berkeley County court records show.
Information about funeral arrangements were not available, but an online fundraiser to benefit Ricks’ family was previously set up by Serve & Connect — a South Carolina -based nonprofit that says it is “focused on fostering positive change through sustainable police and community partnerships.” Serve & Connect was founded in memory of Forest Acres Police Department Officer Greg Alia, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2015.
“He is truly the love of my life. Dennis is my safe place, my strength,” Ricks wife, Jade, said in the fundraiser. “He is the kindest, sweetest and most gentle soul. To say he is a phenomenal man and husband is quite an understatement.”
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