In Fort Mill, South Carolina, authorities have announced that the driver involved in a fatal accident that resulted in the death Stanley Brucker last week will not face criminal charges.
The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of March 21, involved 61-year-old Stanley Brucker, who was performing his duties as a crossing guard on Springfield Parkway near Fort Mill Elementary School when he was struck by the vehicle. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Brucker succumbed to his injuries.
Following consultations with the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office the police concluded on Wednesday that charges against the driver would not be pursued.
The 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office provided the following statement:
The 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office was asked to review evidence gathered by the Fort Mill Police Department (FMPD) during their investigation of a motor vehicle collision on Springfield Pkwy in front of Fort Mill Elementary School which resulted in the death of Stanley Eugene Brucker, on the afternoon of March 21, 2024.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol assisted FMPD in their investigation. Their findings were referred to the Solicitor’s Office for what is commonly referred to as a fatality review to determine whether the evidence supports the filing of criminal charges. The information submitted by FMPD included statements from several eye witnesses and video captured by a school bus stopped at the exit of the school during the incident.
After reviewing the information submitted, the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office advised that the evidence does not support a criminal charge. Members of the Solicitor’s Office met with FMPD and members of the decedent’s family prior to releasing their charging decision and details of the investigation to the public.
Video footage of the incident provided a clear depiction of what occurred. The video shows Mr. Brucker standing in the median in the middle of Springfield Pkwy, with a hand-held stop sign, directing traffic. He was not escorting children across the road. He was turned sideways in the roadway, facing the direction of the school and the school bus, which was preparing to turn onto Springfield Pkwy from the school. The hand-held stop sign was facing the school bus, not towards approaching vehicles on Springfield Pkwy. Seconds prior to the collision, Mr. Brucker stepped into the lane of travel closest to the school, and into the path of the approaching vehicle that struck him. Mr. Brucker did not display the stop sign toward the approaching driver, nor did he look in that direction prior to stepping into the roadway. There is no indication that the driver of the vehicle was driving in a dangerous or reckless manner. FMPD concluded that she was not at fault in causing the wreck.
Regrettably, this is a tragic accident for both Mr. Brucker and the driver of the vehicle. We extend our condolences to all who have been impacted by this event.
