Woman, 79, Killed in Clements Ferry Road Crash Between SUV and 18-Wheeler Identified by Berkeley County Coroner

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office has identified the elderly driver who was killed Friday morning when her SUV was struck by a tractor-trailer on Clements Ferry Road.

Bella Cousette, 79, died at the scene of the crash from injuries she suffered in the collision, Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell said.

Crash Details on Clements Ferry Road

The fatal collision was reported at approximately 10:50 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, near the intersection of Clements Ferry Road and Reflectance Drive. Law enforcement officers responded to find a Hyundai SUV and an 18-wheeler involved in a serious crash.

According to a preliminary investigation, Cousette was exiting a parking lot onto Clements Ferry Road when her SUV crossed the southbound lane of traffic directly into the path of the tractor-trailer. The 18-wheeler was unable to avoid the collision and struck the SUV, sending the vehicle off the roadway. The Hyundai came to rest on the shoulder of Clements Ferry Road.

Driver Transported to Hospital

Emergency responders transported Cousette from the crash scene to a nearby hospital for treatment of her injuries. She was later pronounced dead as a result of the injuries sustained in the collision, according to the coroner’s office.

The driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured.

Investigation Ongoing

The crash remains under active investigation, and no charges have been filed against any party at this time.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information that could assist investigators to come forward. Tipsters can contact investigators directly at 943-96504084 or submit an anonymous tip through the department’s tip portal.

Clements Ferry Road, which runs through the Cainhoy peninsula area of Berkeley County, has seen significant traffic growth in recent years as development has expanded along the corridor connecting Daniel Island to the Wando area.

Charleston Crash News will update this story as additional information becomes available.