North Charleston, August 9, 2025
News Summary
A North Charleston man, Xavier Rosado, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for his involvement in a deadly crash on Interstate 26. Rosado was traveling at 139 mph when he crashed his Porsche into a Nissan SUV, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old woman and serious injuries to another passenger. After pleading guilty to multiple charges, he received the maximum sentence permitted under the law. This incident underscores the dire consequences of reckless driving and the importance of accountability on the roads.
North Charleston – A North Charleston man, Xavier Rosado, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for his role in a fatal crash that occurred nearly four years ago on October 4, 2021. Rosado had pleaded guilty to charges of reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death, and leaving the scene of an accident causing great bodily injury. The devastating incident involved his speeding Porsche Cayenne, which crashed into a Nissan SUV on Interstate 26.
The accident took place near mile marker 214, where Rosado was traveling at approximately 139 miles per hour when he crashed into the rear of the Nissan. Following the impact, the SUV flipped off the highway and landed on a grassy shoulder, leaving two passengers trapped inside. A passerby witnessed the crash and promptly called 911, prompting a response from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, which discovered the victims in distress.
It took rescue crews from the North Charleston Fire Department about thirty minutes to extricate the passengers from the wreckage. Tragically, the driver of the Nissan, a 23-year-old woman, did not survive her injuries. Additionally, a 22-year-old male passenger sustained severe injuries, including broken ribs, a broken vertebra, lacerations, a traumatic brain injury, and a loss of smell.
Interestingly, approximately 20 minutes post-collision, Rosado contacted authorities to report that his vehicle had been stolen from a nightclub in North Charleston. However, investigators swiftly dismissed this claim as false. Utilizing phone records, assessing Rosado’s physical injuries, and collecting DNA evidence from the airbag and front seat of the Porsche, they determined that he had indeed been driving at the time of the crash.
The legal ramifications for such actions are severe. The maximum potential sentence for the charges of reckless homicide and leaving the scene of an accident with great bodily injury is ten years, while leaving the scene with death can carry up to 25 years in prison. Given the facts of this case, Rosado received the maximum sentence allowed under the law.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of reckless driving and the importance of accountability on the road. As communities continue to grapple with road safety, cases like this highlight the need for stricter measures to prevent reckless behavior behind the wheel.
Key Facts of the Case
- Xavier Rosado: North Charleston man sentenced to ten years in prison
- Crash Date: October 4, 2021
- Speed: 139 miles per hour at the time of the crash
- Victim Information: A 23-year-old woman died; a 22-year-old man sustained severe injuries
- Time After Crash Rosado Reported Stolen Car: 20 minutes
Background on Reckless Driving Laws
Reckless driving and related charges are taken seriously within the legal framework, especially when such actions lead to loss of life or severe injuries. Laws stipulate maximum sentences based on the severity of offenses, with reckless homicide and leaving the scene of an accident with significant injury both carrying severe penalties. This case stands as an example of such laws being enacted to ensure justice for victims and accountability for offenders.
FAQ Section
What happened in the fatal crash involving Xavier Rosado?
Xavier Rosado was sentenced to ten years in prison for crashing his Porsche into a Nissan SUV, resulting in one fatality and severe injuries to another individual.
What were the speeds involved in the crash?
Rosado was driving at approximately 139 miles per hour when he collided with the Nissan SUV.
What charges did Rosado plead guilty to?
He pleaded guilty to reckless homicide, leaving the scene of an accident with death, and leaving the scene of an accident with great bodily injury.
What consequences did Rosado face because of the incident?
Rosado received a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, following the legal guidelines associated with the charges he faced.
How did authorities verify Rosado was driving the Porsche at the time of the crash?
Investigators were able to confirm Rosado’s presence in the vehicle through phone records, his physical injuries, and DNA evidence collected from the airbag and front seat of the Porsche.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- CountOn2 News: North Charleston Man Sentenced
- Wikipedia: Reckless Driving
- Live 5 News: All Lanes I-26 West Open
- Google Search: North Charleston Road Safety
- ABC News 4: Fatal Crash Under Investigation
- Google Scholar: Traffic Accidents
- Live 5 News: Highly Traveled Road Closed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Laws
- Live 5 News: Coroner Identifies Pedestrian Killed
- Google News: Pedestrian Safety

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.


