A close‑knit Horry County community is grappling with grief after a devastating head‑on collision along Highway 90 near Conway, South Carolina, claimed the life of 62‑year‑old David Young Shipman of Sumter. The fatal crash occurred on the evening of Saturday, March 7, 2026, and has left friends, family and neighbors mourning a beloved local figure.
According to the Horry County Coroner’s Office, Shipman was driving a 2002 Dodge pickup truck westbound on S.C. 90 near Thomas Road at approximately 6:48 p.m. when his vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head‑on with a 2014 Toyota Camry traveling in the opposite direction. The force of the impact was catastrophic, and although emergency responders transported Shipman to a nearby hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the Toyota Camry was also taken to a medical facility with injuries that officials have described as non‑fatal but significant. The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the collision, including what caused Shipman’s vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic.
Shipman’s passing has sent waves of sorrow through both the Sumter and Horry County communities. Originally from Sumter, South Carolina, he was well known for his vibrant spirit and deep connections with family and friends.
His obituary describes a man who lived life with enthusiasm from enjoying outdoor activities like fishing and boating to expressing his creativity through photography and music. Shipman’s zest for life and generous nature left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Loved ones remember Shipman not only for his adventurous personality but also for his unwavering devotion to his family. He is survived by his two daughters, Whitney Glenn and Taylor Daye, and his four cherished grandchildren: Ruby, Riley, Sadie, and Ember. He also leaves behind his parents, Clarence and Beverly Shipman, and siblings, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Many in the community have shared heartfelt tributes, recalling Shipman’s readiness to lend a helping hand even to strangers and his ability to bring joy to gatherings through song and laughter. He was regarded as a creative soul whose photography captured treasured moments for friends and family alike.
Local authorities have emphasized that investigations into collisions of this nature particularly those involving fatalities are ongoing and can take time as troopers piece together evidence from the scene and witness accounts. Traffic on Highway 90 was temporarily disrupted as emergency crews responded to the scene and cleared the roadway.
As the community continues to process this sudden loss, many are urging drivers to exercise heightened caution on two‑lane highways, especially during evening hours when visibility and road conditions can contribute to perilous situations.
A Celebration of Life for Shipman is scheduled to be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Heath Pavilion at Swan Lake, offering an opportunity for family, friends and community members to come together in remembrance and support.
In this time of mourning, tributes and memories shared by those touched by his life underscore the profound impact David Shipman had on the people around him a legacy marked by kindness, joy and an adventurous spirit that will not soon be forgotten.
