Rookie Easley Police Officer Hit by Train; Woman Charged

On Wednesday morning in Easley, 22-year-old police officer Matthew Hare was killed in the line of duty. The Easley Police Department received a call around 5 a.m. regarding a mental health crisis near the railroad tracks on East Main Street. Two officers responded and found a person on the train tracks. They attempted to rescue the individual when Officer Hare was tragically struck by an Amtrak train. Officer Hare sacrificed his life to save someone he did not know. Fortunately, the other officer and the person they were trying to save were not injured.

Matthew Hare had joined the Easley Police Department in October and had recently graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy in March. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the incident. Amtrak announced that the train involved resumed its journey after a delay of six hours and 45 minutes.

The community mourned the loss of Officer Hare, leaving flowers and notes on his vehicle outside the Easley Police Department.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Agents have taken into custody and pressed charges against a 25-year-old woman from Easley in connection with the investigation. The state’s Law Enforcement Division has formally announced that Gabrielle Alexis Benites is facing a charge of aggravated breach of peace.

They also stated, “Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, the potential for additional charges is under consideration.” Benites is alleged to “have, while intoxicated, knowingly and willfully trespassed onto an active railroad track, apparently with the intent of causing harm to herself. Despite law enforcement’s attempts to assist her by removing her from the tracks, she resisted their efforts. Tragically, due to her actions, a law enforcement officer was struck and fatally injured by an oncoming train.”

Easley Police have announced funeral arrangements for Officer Hare. The funeral will be held Tuesday, August 8 at 11 a.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, preceded by a police procession. The family will hold a private visitation.