Troopers investigate separate fatal crashes on S.C. 31, U.S. 501 early Wednesday

Troopers with the S.C. Highway Patrol are investigating two fatal crashes early Wednesday in Horry County, according to authorities.

The first crash was reported at 12:54 a.m. Wednesday on S.C. 31 near Water Tower Road in the northbound lanes, said Cpl. Sonny Collins with the S.C. Highway Patrol.

A two-door 1997 Mitsubishi was traveling north on S.C. 31 when it went off the right side of the roadway, struck the guardrail and overturned, Collins said. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.

Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard said Coby Hadley Theobald, 20, of Conway was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries he suffered in the crash.