MYRTLE BEACH, SC — A fundraiser has been set up after a deadly multi-vehicle crash on Highway 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach claimed the life of 37-year-old Serhii Babak. Authorities said the crash happened Sunday morning near Pine Island Road and Highway 17 Bypass.
The Myrtle Beach Fire Department said the wreck involved multiple vehicles. The Horry County coroner identified Babak as the person who died from traumatic injuries. A second person was hospitalized, but officials have not released that person’s condition.
Coroner identifies the victim as Serhii Babak
Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard said Babak lived in Myrtle Beach. He was 37 years old when he died in the crash.
Officials said his death came from traumatic injuries sustained in the collision. No additional details about the sequence of events leading to the wreck have been released.
The crash took place on a busy stretch of Highway 17 Bypass near Pine Island Road, an area heavily traveled by local drivers and visitors. Investigators have not said how many vehicles were involved or what caused the collision.
Myrtle Beach Fire Department responds to the Sunday morning wreck
According to the Myrtle Beach Fire Department, the crash happened Sunday morning and involved more than one vehicle. Emergency crews responded to the scene on Highway 17 Bypass near Pine Island Road.
Fire officials did not immediately release further details about the extent of the damage or whether others were hurt. The condition of the hospitalized person remains unknown.
Because the crash involved a serious injury and a death, it is being handled as a major traffic investigation in the city’s busy coastal corridor.
Atmosphera Bistro honors a coworker and starts a fundraiser
Atmosphera Bistro in Myrtle Beach said Babak worked at the restaurant. In a Facebook post, the business announced a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses for his family.
The restaurant’s post reflected the immediate impact of the crash on coworkers and friends who knew Babak through his job. The fundraiser is intended to ease the financial burden of burial and memorial costs.
No details were provided about how long the fundraiser will run or the amount organizers hope to raise. The restaurant has not released additional information about memorial plans.
Police continue to investigate what caused the collision
The Myrtle Beach Police Department is investigating the crash. At this point, police have not said what led to the multi-vehicle collision or whether any charges are being considered.
Investigators have also not released information about the other hospitalized person. The scene near Pine Island Road and Highway 17 Bypass was left with unanswered questions about how the wreck unfolded.
As the investigation continues, officials have identified the victim and confirmed that one person died and another was taken to the hospital.
A deadly stretch of roadway draws renewed attention
The wreck adds to concern along Highway 17 Bypass, a major route through Myrtle Beach that sees heavy traffic. The crash happened on a Sunday morning, when drivers were traveling through the area near Pine Island Road.
While authorities have not connected this case to any broader safety issue, the fatal outcome has drawn attention because it happened on a well-used corridor in the city. For Babak’s family and coworkers, the focus now is on funeral expenses and the continuing investigation.
Officials have not announced when more information will be released.
