Florence County EMT dies in Highway 501 crash, authorities confirm

MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) -- A Florence County EMT died in a crash on his way home from taking the paramedic exam on Wednesday, authorities confirmed with News13. The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. on Hwy. 501 near Snipes Road, the South Carolina Highway Patrol said. A 2015 Lincoln Navigator was driving south on Hwy. 501 when they crossed the center line and hit a 2000 Chevrolet pickup that was driving north, SCHP said. The driver of the Chevrolet died at the scene, and the driver of the Lincoln was hospitalized with injuries, SCHP said. The Marion County Coroner's Office confirmed that Ralph Fulmore Jr. died in the crash. A Facebook post from Florence County Emergency Medical Services said Fulmore joined the EMS team in June 2023 as a cadet in the EMT program and was on his way home Wednesday from taking the National Registry Paramedic exam when the crash happened. "Even though our hearts are broken for the loss of a friend and coworker, we cannot be prouder of the accomplishments that Ralph achieved. He passed that exam," the post reads. "He worked very hard and would have been honored to wear the patch." "While his achievements professionally are something to be celebrated, it was his sweet family that he truly cherished," the post continued. "Ralph was a devoted son, fiancé, and father. He loved his family fiercely and they were his reason for pushing himself to be better every day." No further information was available at the time of this posting. The SCHP is investigating. Count on News13 for updates.