Desirae May Cote Obituary, Death: Pedestrian fatally struck by several vehicles on busy Pickens County highway.

Desirae May Cote Obituary, Death – A tragic incident unfolded early Thursday morning when a pedestrian was fatally struck by multiple vehicles on a busy highway in Pickens County, South Carolina. The Pickens County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene around 4 a.m. following a report of a pedestrian involved in a crash on Highway 123 near Grace Drive, just outside the city of Easley.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the pedestrian, later identified as 30-year-old Desirae May Cote from St. Petersburg, Florida, was initially struck by a Ford pickup truck traveling southbound on Highway 123. After that initial collision, a second, unidentified vehicle also hit Cote. Authorities reported that this second vehicle did not stop and left the scene, prompting an ongoing search for the driver involved.

The coroner’s office confirmed Cote’s identity later that day. Her death remains under investigation, and the exact cause and manner of death are yet to be officially determined. An autopsy has been scheduled to assist in clarifying how the incident unfolded and what injuries ultimately caused her death.

At this time, no further information has been made public about what Cote was doing on the highway or why she was on foot at that early hour. Investigators have not disclosed whether she was attempting to cross the road or walking along the shoulder.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Pickens County Coroner’s Office are working together to gather more details about the events that led to the fatal incident. Authorities are especially focused on identifying the second vehicle and its driver, who fled the scene without stopping to render aid or report the crash.

Highway 123 is known to be a heavily traveled route in the area, and the section where the crash occurred sees steady traffic throughout the day and night. The road was likely closed for a period Thursday morning while emergency responders worked the scene and investigators collected evidence.

Officials have not released any descriptions of the second vehicle or whether there are surveillance cameras in the area that could aid in identifying it. As of now, the hit-and-run component of the case remains unresolved.

The news of Cote’s death has deeply saddened both local residents and her community back in Florida. Friends and family are mourning the loss of a young woman whose life was abruptly and violently cut short.

The authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the crash—especially those who may have witnessed it or seen a suspicious vehicle leaving the scene—to come forward and assist with the investigation.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement hopes to bring answers and possibly justice to Cote’s loved ones, while reminding drivers to remain alert and responsible—especially during the early morning hours when visibility may be low and pedestrians may be difficult to see.