Jon Douglas Ratcliffe : “SC Man Killed in School Bus Accident”

A devastating incident occurred in Lexington, South Carolina, on Monday when a 45-year-old man, Jon Douglas Ratcliffe, lost his life in a fatal motorcycle accident. According to officials, Ratcliffe was riding his motorcycle when he was struck from behind by a van, causing him to be pinned against a school bus.

Details of the Accident

The tragic event took place at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Monday in the 100 block of Industrial Drive near Exit 55 on Interstate 20. The Lexington Police Department responded to a three-vehicle collision involving a van, a motorcycle, and a school bus from the Lexington 1 school district.

Investigations revealed that the school bus had come to a stop to pick up students, with the motorcycle stopping behind it. Unfortunately, the van driver failed to notice the stationary vehicles and collided with the motorcycle, propelling Ratcliffe into the back of the bus and pushing the motorcycle away from the scene. The van then crashed into the rear of the bus, trapping Ratcliffe between the two vehicles.

Tragic Outcome

Despite wearing a helmet, Ratcliffe succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident. There were a total of seven students and a driver on the bus, with one student sustaining a minor arm injury. The injured student was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the rest of the students were safely reunited with their parents and guardians away from the collision site.

Legal Ramifications

The van driver, identified as 20-year-old West Columbia resident Giovani Mendoza-Jimenez, also suffered minor injuries in the crash and was transported to the hospital. Mendoza-Jimenez was found at fault for the collision and has been charged with driving without a license, driving at an excessive speed, and failing to stop for a school bus.

As the investigation continues, additional charges may be brought against Mendoza-Jimenez. He is currently detained at the Lexington County Detention Center with no bond set.

Collaborative Response

Various law enforcement agencies, including the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, collaborated in responding to the accident and aiding in the investigation. The Town of Lexington Transportation Department was also involved in the coordinated efforts.

Impact on Road Safety

Tragically, Ratcliffe’s death adds to the grim road safety statistics in South Carolina. As of Sunday, 346 individuals had lost their lives in road accidents in 2024, with 21 fatalities reported in Lexington County alone. Last year, South Carolina recorded 1,030 road crash fatalities, highlighting the ongoing need for enhanced safety measures.

The closure of Industrial Drive from S.C. 6/South Lake Drive to Zenker Road for several hours underscores the severity of the accident and the comprehensive investigation being conducted by authorities.