A tragic head-on crash in Spartanburg County early Friday morning claimed the lives of multiple people, including Greenville Police Department Sergeant Ashley Munoz. Authorities said the deadly collision happened on Highway 101 near Bellview Road Extension in Greer.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office confirmed that 35-year-old Ashley Munoz of Woodruff died at the scene. Officials said she was an 11-year veteran of the Greenville Police Department and had recently been promoted to sergeant in 2023.
Greenville Police Sergeant Killed in Crash
According to the Greenville Police Department, Sergeant Ashley Munoz supervised several criminal investigations units, including property crimes, financial crimes, and family crimes. Colleagues described her as a dedicated officer who served the community with professionalism and commitment throughout her career.
Emergency crews from the Trinity Fire Department responded shortly before 1 a.m. after receiving an iPhone crash notification from the area along Highway 101. When first responders arrived, they discovered a Ford SUV and a Toyota SUV involved in a severe head-on collision with multiple occupants trapped inside both vehicles.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the Ford SUV was traveling north on Highway 101 while the Toyota SUV was traveling south when the vehicles collided.
Multiple Fatalities Reported
Authorities confirmed that 50-year-old Deborah Sue Wyatt of Duncan, who was inside the Ford SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another occupant of the Ford, 46-year-old Max Douglas Wyatt Jr. of Duncan, was transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center but later died from his injuries.
Investigators also reported that Sergeant Ashley Munoz, 62-year-old Maria Del Rosario Munoz of Greenville, and another passenger inside the Toyota SUV suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office stated that the identity of one victim from the Toyota SUV will be released once family members have been properly notified.
Greenville Officer Diana Munoz Injured
Authorities said another passenger from the Toyota SUV survived the crash and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. The Greenville Police Department later identified the survivor as Diana Munoz, who serves as the department’s Public Information Officer.
Diana Munoz is also a longtime member of the Greenville Police Department and has served with the agency for 12 years. Officials have not released details regarding her medical condition at this time.
The department confirmed that Ashley and Diana Munoz were married and shared two young children. Authorities said the family was returning home from vacation when the tragic crash occurred.
Community Mourning Sergeant Ashley Munoz
The Greenville Police Department announced that a memorial honoring Sergeant Ashley Munoz has been established at the City of Greenville’s Public Safety Campus located at 204 Halton Road.
Officials invited members of the public to visit the memorial site to pay their respects and show support for Munoz’s family, friends, and fellow officers during this difficult time.
The loss of Sergeant Munoz has deeply impacted both the Greenville Police Department and the local community. Fellow officers and residents continue mourning the sudden tragedy while offering prayers and support to the families involved.
Investigation Into Crash Continues
The deadly collision remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash and have not yet released additional details regarding what may have caused the collision.
Head-on crashes are considered among the most dangerous types of traffic accidents because of the force of impact and the high risk of severe injuries or fatalities. Authorities continue urging drivers to remain cautious on highways, especially during overnight travel hours.
