Beachgoers express concern after fatal beach incident in Horry County

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Grand Strand beachgoers are questioning their safety following the tragic death of a woman.

Horry County police announced Thursday they would reduce the number of beach patrol vehicles following the car crash last week when 66-year-old Sandy Schultz-Peter was hit by a car while sitting on the beach.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol said Monday that Horry County Police Officer Julian “Duke” Brown was driving the beach patrol car that killed her.

The changes made by the police have led to differing opinions among beachgoers about whether certain vehicles should be allowed on the beach.

Myrtle Beach resident Andrea Phillips told WMBF News she witnessed a similar incident in Garden City in 2020. Phillips said this latest incident brought back her fear.

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“I don’t feel safe. I think I would feel safe if I knew that these trucks weren’t driving along the beach at all,” she explained.

Other beachgoers told WMBF News they don’t mind the trucks on the beaches, but said they are extra careful about where they sit.

“I see the need for police to monitor the beaches, especially during tourist season, but I don’t see the need for the big, gigantic truck,” Phillips said.

WMBF News crews did not see any Horry County Police beach patrol vehicles at the beach access on Nash Street on Friday. Crews also said they saw several traffic cones on the beach.

We asked Horry County Police how many trucks were on the beaches before and how many will be seen after this change.

A spokesperson refused to answer our questions and referred us to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, who in turn referred us to the Horry County Police Department.

WMBF News has reached out to the HCPD for comment and has not yet received a response.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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