Autopsy Planned Today for Lavonia Man Killed Saturday on I-85

An autopsy is set for today on the body of a Lavonia man who was struck and killed early Saturday morning on I-85.

It happened about 4a Saturday according to South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Oconee County Coroner Carl Addis said 25-year old David Michael Rogers’ body was found in the northbound lane of I-85 near the South Carolina Welcome Center.

Addis said Rogers’ body was discovered by an Oconee County Sheriff’s Deputy shortly after 10:00 am Saturday after a passerby had reported earlier either a human body or animal carcass was lying adjacent to the northbound lanes of traffic near the South Carolina Welcome Center.

Rogers’ vehicle was discovered on the shoulder of the southbound side of the Interstate across from the Welcome Center.

Information inside the vehicle, along with on-file fingerprints obtained from the Franklin County Sheriff’s office, Addis said helped identify Rogers by comparing the fingerprints taken from his body to those on file in Georgia.

Rogers, who was originally from Carollton, GA was employed as an electrician with a company in Lavonia.
Authorities say he lived about nine miles from the where the accident took place.

Addis said Rogers died of blunt force trauma and South Carolina authorities believe he was struck either by an 18-wheel tractor trailer or several vehicles.

Addis said however, the vehicle that struck Rogers has not been identified.

The SC Highway Patrol continues to investigate.

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact the SC Highway Patrol or the Oconee County, SC Sheriff’s office at 864-638-4111.