A police chase that began as a routine attempt to apprehend a suspect ended in tragedy when a fleeing driver’s car collided head-on with another vehicle, resulting in the instant death of a passenger and the death of the driver two days later. The devastating crash occurred on Highway 178 near Prater Road in Saluda County on October 27th, just after 11 a.m., leaving a community shaken and families shattered by loss.
Rakeem West, a 35-year-old man from Batesburg, was behind the wheel of a 2005 Honda Accord, attempting to evade law enforcement officers who were pursuing him for reasons still under investigation. As West’s vehicle sped westbound on Highway 178, it suddenly crossed the centerline, a move that proved catastrophic. In an instant, his car collided head-on with a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse traveling east. The force of the collision was so severe that it instantly killed Shirley Fincher, a 76-year-old resident of Saluda, who was sitting in the passenger seat of the Traverse. She was loved by many in her community, known for her kindness and her dedication to her family and neighbors.
In addition to Fincher, the Chevrolet Traverse was carrying another occupant, and West was not alone in his vehicle—he had a passenger with him, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed. The four individuals involved in the wreck faced grave injuries, and emergency responders rushed them to nearby hospitals for urgent care. The extent of the injuries to the driver and passenger in the Traverse has not been publicly released, but their conditions remain critical. West, critically injured in the crash, was transported to Prisma Health Richland, where he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning, two days after the devastating collision.
The circumstances leading up to the chase are still under investigation. South Carolina Highway Patrol officials are working closely with the coroner’s office to piece together what happened—examining surveillance footage, gathering witness statements, and trying to understand why the chase was initiated and how it escalated so violently. It remains unclear whether West was fleeing from a traffic violation, suspected criminal activity, or another situation, but the tragic outcome underscores the dangers of high-speed pursuits.
The loss of Shirley Fincher is deeply felt across her community. She was a longtime resident of Saluda, cherished by those who knew her as a caring and generous person. Her passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. West’s family and friends are also grappling with profound grief, mourning the loss of a man described by loved ones as a dedicated father who had faced life’s challenges with resilience. Both families are now left to pick up pieces of shattered lives, their sorrow compounded by the senselessness of the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Shirley Fincher and the young man whose life ended prematurely. Their memories serve as a poignant reminder of how quickly life can change and how vital it is to prioritize safety on the road. In this time of sorrow, may their loved ones find comfort in their memories, and may justice and understanding bring healing to those left behind.
