‘Hit and run’ crash that killed motorcyclist was not intentional, SC deputies say

Investigators have determined a fatal motorcycle crash Sunday in Belton, South Carolina, was not an intentional “hit and run incident,” according to an update from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.

Timothy Cathey, 53, died at a hospital after colliding with a telephone pole around 4:41 p.m. Sunday, according to the Anderson County coroner’s office.

A coroner’s report said the case was being investigated as a homicide, after witnesses reported Cathey’s “motorcycle was forced off the roadway” by a vehicle that left the scene.

“Anderson County Sheriff’s Office detectives have identified the vehicle involved in the alleged hit-and-run incident,” the department said in an update posted Thursday on Facebook.

“Following the investigation, detectives have determined the incident did not involve an intentional act of harm as was previously considered. ... At this time, no charges are pending and the case has been turned over to South Carolina Highway Patrol for review.”

Cathey died at a hospital after the crash, due to “multiple traumatic injuries secondary to blunt force trauma,” according to the coroner’s office.

Jennifer Morton, a friend of the family, said funeral arrangements had not been finalized for Cathey as of Tuesday. She described him as an “early retiree” who grew up in the Pickens County town of Six Mile and worked many years as a logger. His interests included the outdoors, fishing and motorcycles, she said.

This story was originally published December 15, 2020 at 2:29 PM with the headline "‘Hit and run’ crash that killed motorcyclist was not intentional, SC deputies say."