The Florence County Sheriff’s Department is enveloped in grief following the untimely death of Deputy Nathaniel “Nate” Ansay, a 24-year-old officer whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident while on duty. The crash, which occurred on May 20, 2025, on U.S. Highway 301 near Effingham, South Carolina, has left a profound void in the hearts of his colleagues, family, and the broader community. Deputy Ansay’s passing is a somber reminder of the inherent dangers law enforcement officers face daily, even as they dedicate themselves to protecting others.
Deputy Ansay was driving north on Olanta Highway, also known as U.S. 301, around 4:20 p.m. when his 2023 Ford SUV collided head-on with a 2008 GMC SUV traveling south. The impact was devastating, and both Ansay and the other driver were rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, Ansay succumbed to his injuries, while the other driver remains hospitalized. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading a thorough investigation into the crash, with early reports suggesting that rain or wet road conditions may have played a role. Authorities are still working to determine the precise circumstances, including any contributing factors like speed or road hazards, as they seek to provide answers to a grieving community.
Ansay’s journey in law enforcement was just beginning. He joined the Florence County Sheriff’s Office on October 30, 2023, and quickly established himself as a committed and capable deputy. Having graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy as a Class 1 certified officer on March 15, 2024, he was only two months into his full duties when tragedy struck. His brief tenure belied the significant impact he made. Sheriff T.J. Joye, in a heartfelt statement, described Ansay as a young man who “never met a stranger and always had a huge smile on his face.” Joye recalled Ansay’s frequent expressions of love for his role, underscoring the deputy’s passion for serving Florence County. “He will be greatly missed,” Joye said, a sentiment echoed across the department.
The loss of Deputy Ansay has reverberated far beyond the sheriff’s office. Local agencies, including the Florence Police Department, Hartsville Police Department, and Horry County Sheriff’s Office, issued statements of condolence, expressing solidarity with their colleagues. The Florence Fire Department changed its social media profile to honor Ansay, while the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy mourned the loss of one of its recent graduates. Community members, too, have flooded social media with tributes, calling Ansay a “hometown fallen hero” and praising his courage and warmth. One user wrote, “You were a shining light in our lives. Your memory will continue to inspire us.” These outpourings reflect the deep connection Ansay forged in his short time as a deputy.
The crash occurred on a rural stretch of U.S. 301, a two-lane highway flanked by guardrails and swampland, adding complexity to the investigation. The South Carolina Highway Patrol, led by Cpl. Nicholas Pye, continues to analyze evidence, including vehicle data and potential witness accounts, to piece together the events leading up to the collision. While details remain limited, the department’s commitment to transparency ensures that updates will be shared as the investigation progresses.
Funeral arrangements for Deputy Ansay have not yet been finalized, but the Florence County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to provide details soon. In the meantime, the department has placed flags at half-staff at the Florence County Law Enforcement Complex, where a patrol car stands as a memorial to honor Ansay’s service. The community is expected to rally around his family, offering support through tributes and memorial services in the days ahead.
This tragedy marks the first on-duty death for the Florence County Sheriff’s Office since 2018, when two officers were killed in an ambush. The department also recently mourned the loss of retired Sgt. Jason Plowden to cancer on May 15, 2025, compounding the sense of loss within the agency. Major Mike Nunn described a pervasive sadness among the staff, noting that Ansay’s likability and dedication made his death particularly devastating.
Deputy Ansay’s passing underscores the unpredictable risks law enforcement officers face, even during routine patrols. His death has prompted reflection on the sacrifices made by those who serve, particularly young officers like Ansay, whose careers are cut short before they can fully realize their potential. As Florence County grieves, the focus remains on honoring Ansay’s legacy—a legacy defined by his infectious positivity, unwavering commitment, and genuine care for those around him. The community’s collective mourning and the outpouring of support serve as a testament to the profound impact of a young deputy whose light, though extinguished too soon, will continue to shine in the memories of those he served.
