2 killed in hit-and-run crash; 17 Bypass reopens | Myrtle Beach Sun News

Two people were killed early this morning in a hit-and-run crash involving a moped on U.S. 17 Bypass between 10th Avenue North and U.S. 501.

Troopers from the S.C. Highway Patrol were on scene until about 8:45 a.m., closing southbound lanes of the bypass at 10th Avenue North during the morning commute.

The victims were killed when an unidentified vehicle hit the moped about 3 a.m. in front of The Sun News, said Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins with the S.C. Highway Patrol.

Simone Tomlinson, 20, of Jamaica, and Viktor Yaninski, 21, of Bulgaria, were pronounced dead at the scene, Coroner Robert Edge said. They were in the United States on a work program, and were both employees at a local hotel, he said.

Using debris found at the scene, authorities have determined that a 1995-1998 Nissan Maxima was involved in the crash, Collins said. The Highway Patrol is not sure of the car's color, but the vehicle has front-end damage, he said.

It is the second hit-and-run crash in the area since Friday. Jessica Evans, 26, was killed while walking along S.C. 707 late Friday. The Highway Patrol charged Joshua Cleveland, 22, of Murrells Inlet, with leaving the scene of an accident involving death.

It is the fourth hit-and-run crash in Horry County this year, and the third in the last 13 days.

More details will be posted as they become available.