Pedestrian killed in early morning accident near Seneca

A man died early Tuesday morning near Seneca in an apparent pedestrian and motor vehicle collision. Oconee County 911 received a call at 6am reporting the incident on US 123 in front of the Bountyland Quick Stop convenience store between Clemson and Seneca. Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis announces that 76-year-old Franklin Hester of Seneca died at the scene from blunt force trauma. Hester had contacted his family early Tuesday morning reporting an apparent non-life threatening medical complaint. He routinely sought treatment at an urgent care center in Clemson. He reportedly had an appointment later in the morning but it is speculated he left his residence to go to the urgent care facility perhaps to be seen early. During his travels there, he developed a problem with his vehicle, which he parked in the Bountyland parking lot. He called his family for assistance, and then he walked across the highway to the Paws Diner. At the time of the collision, Hester was walking back toward his vehicle when he stepped into traffic. A cargo delivery truck traveling toward Seneca swerved; however, Addis says it appears Hester may have come in contact with the side of the truck knocking him to the pavement. His manner of death is classified as accidental. A post mortem exam will be conducted to assist with this death investigation. Troopers with the SC Highway Patrol are investigating the crash. This is the 14 traffic related death in Oconee County this year.