Charleston, South Carolina, January 9, 2026
The Charleston Police Department is looking for assistance after a fatal hit-and-run incident on the Ashley River Bridge resulted in the death of 36-year-old Sharif Mahmud. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to step forward. This tragic event highlights the ongoing issues of bicycle safety in Charleston, occurring just before the anniversary of a proposed bike-pedestrian bridge project.
Charleston, South Carolina –
Police Seek Public Assistance in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Bicyclist on Ashley River Bridge
The Charleston Police Department is urgently seeking the public’s assistance following a tragic hit-and-run collision on the Ashley River Bridge that resulted in the death of a 36-year-old bicyclist earlier this week. The incident, which occurred just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday night, January 6, 2026, claimed the life of Sharif Mahmud from Egypt. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward to help locate the responsible driver and vehicle.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The fatal collision transpired as the bicyclist, Sharif Mahmud, was traveling in the roadway on the Ashley River Bridge, heading into downtown Charleston, when he was struck by a vehicle. The vehicle involved in the incident subsequently fled the scene without stopping. Emergency services responded to the location, but tragically, Mr. Mahmud died at the scene of the accident.
Following the crash, the roadway on the Ashley River Bridge heading into downtown Charleston was closed for approximately three hours to allow investigators to process the scene. Traffic was significantly disrupted during this period, with the bridge reopening around 10 p.m. on Tuesday night. As of the latest updates, the vehicle and its driver involved in this serious incident have not yet been located by authorities.
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Information
The Charleston Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is leading the comprehensive inquiry into the fatal hit-and-run. Investigators are meticulously working to collect and analyze all available evidence to reconstruct the events that led to the death of the bicyclist. This includes examining the physical crash site, reviewing any potential surveillance footage from the area, and gathering statements from witnesses.
The police department has made a direct appeal to the community, emphasizing that public input can be invaluable in solving such complex cases. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or who possesses any information relevant to the investigation, is strongly encouraged to assist law enforcement. Individuals with information are urged to contact the Charleston Police Department’s Traffic Unit directly at (843) 965-4084. Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously through the city’s official portal at charleston-sc.gov/tips.
Broader Context: Bicycle Safety and Infrastructure
This tragic incident marks the first fatal traffic-related collision investigated by the Charleston Police Department in 2026. It is also the first fatal cyclist collision in Charleston County this year. According to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office, there were four similar incidents involving cyclists in 2025, with the most recent occurring on December 29 of that year. These statistics highlight the persistent challenges and risks faced by bicyclists on local roadways.
The fatality occurs just days before the first anniversary of the groundbreaking for the Ashley River Crossing, a significant large-scale bike-pedestrian bridge project. This ambitious project aims to span the Ashley River, connecting West Ashley and the Charleston peninsula with dedicated lanes and improved crosswalks. Charleston City Council member Ross Appel has publicly stated that this tragedy underscores why the Ashley River Crossing is so desperately needed, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced infrastructure to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. The Ashley River Crossing project officially broke ground on January 9, 2025, and is currently on schedule for completion in the summer of 2027.
Legal Ramifications of Hit-and-Run Incidents in South Carolina
Leaving the scene of an accident, commonly known as a hit-and-run, carries severe legal consequences in South Carolina. State-level law mandates that drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident must stop at the scene and exchange contact and insurance information with other parties. Drivers are also required to speak with law enforcement or witnesses and offer aid to any injured parties. Failure to adhere to these stipulations constitutes a hit-and-run offense.
In cases where a hit-and-run accident results in a fatality, as in this Charleston incident, the responsible party can face felony charges. The penalties for such an offense in South Carolina include a potential imprisonment term ranging from one year to 25 years, along with fines that can range from $10,000 to $25,000. If a police officer does not respond to an accident scene, a report must be filed with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) within 15 days. The gravity of these laws underscores the legal obligation of drivers to remain at the scene of any collision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened on the Ashley River Bridge?
- A 36-year-old bicyclist, Sharif Mahmud from Egypt, was fatally struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run collision on the Ashley River Bridge heading into downtown Charleston just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday night, January 6, 2026. The vehicle fled the scene.
- When did the incident occur?
- The fatal hit-and-run occurred just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday night, January 6, 2026.
- Who was the victim?
- The victim was identified as 36-year-old bicyclist Sharif Mahmud from Egypt.
- What is the Charleston Police Department doing?
- The Charleston Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is actively investigating the incident and is seeking the public’s help to locate the responsible driver and vehicle.
- How can the public provide information?
- Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Charleston Police Department’s Traffic Unit at (843) 965-4084 or submit anonymous tips at charleston-sc.gov/tips.
- What are the penalties for a fatal hit-and-run in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, a hit-and-run accident resulting in death is a felony, punishable by one to 25 years imprisonment and a fine of $10,000 to $25,000.
- What is the Ashley River Crossing project?
- The Ashley River Crossing is a large-scale bike-pedestrian bridge project spanning the Ashley River, designed to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians. It broke ground on January 9, 2025, and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.
Key Features of the Ashley River Bridge Hit-and-Run Incident
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location of Incident | Ashley River Bridge, heading into downtown Charleston, South Carolina | Local |
| Date and Time of Incident | Tuesday night, January 6, 2026, just before 7 p.m. | Local |
| Victim | 36-year-old bicyclist, Sharif Mahmud from Egypt | Local |
| Nature of Incident | Fatal hit-and-run collision | Local |
| Investigating Agency | Charleston Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) | Local |
| Police Appeal | Public assistance sought to locate driver and vehicle | Local |
| Contact Information for Tips | (843) 965-4084 or charleston-sc.gov/tips | Local |
| Road Closure | Ashley River Bridge roadway closed for approximately three hours post-incident | Local |
| Significance | First fatal traffic-related collision investigated by Charleston Police Department in 2026; first fatal cyclist collision in Charleston County this year | Local |
| Related Infrastructure Project | Ashley River Crossing (bike-pedestrian bridge) | Local |
| SC Hit-and-Run Penalties (Fatal) | Felony; one to 25 years imprisonment; $10,000 to $25,000 fine | State-level |
Now Happening on X
- @ABCNews4 (January 7, 2026, 8:30 AM): Voters are awaiting a recount in the tight race for State House District 98, while Charleston Police continue investigating a deadly crash on the Ashley River Bridge from the previous night. View on X
- @ABCNews4 (January 8, 2026, 9:00 AM): The College of Charleston and community leaders are meeting to discuss a proposed student residence hall on Coming Street, and elections officials will recount ballots for the District 98 special election on Friday. View on X
- @ABCNews4 (January 9, 2026, 9:45 PM): A man was arrested Thursday evening after a family argument at an apartment complex in Charleston escalated into gunfire. View on X
- @wchs8fox11 (January 9, 2026, 10:22 AM): Several people were reportedly exposed to tear gas Friday at a Charleston business, according to dispatchers. View on X
- @wics_abc20 (January 5, 2026, 1:32 PM): The Charleston Police Department is investigating a stabbing that left one person injured. View on X
- @QuintinOnCamera (January 6, 2026, 3:18 PM): A juvenile was injured in a shooting, and a mother was arrested for unlawful conduct toward a child by North Charleston Police. View on X
- @SkyTrevorBWX (January 4, 2026, 9:01 AM): Emergency manager reports coastal flooding at the intersection of Society St and Washington St in Charleston, which is passable but affected. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Arrested in North Charleston for Alleged Apartment Break-In
Police Seek Help in Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
North Charleston Police Arrest Suspect in Child Shooting Case
Arrest Made in Tragic Homicide of 4-Year-Old in North Charleston
Man Arrested After Gunfire Follows Family Dispute at MAA Apartments
Summerville Grapples with Deadly Shooting as Manhunt Intensifies
New Felony Charges Filed in Deadly Charleston Hit-and-Run
Intensified Manhunt for Gunman in Summerville Shooting
Summerville Police Investigate Morning Shooting Incident
Charleston Woman Charged in Johns Island Homicide
