ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. —

The South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper who was hit while performing a traffic stop in Orangeburg County has died.

Officials said Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks died Wednesday night, four days after he was hit.

A graduate of South Carolina Highway Patrol Class 123 in September 2023, Ricks had served in Troop 7 (Orangeburg, Calhoun) since then.

South Carolina Department of Public Safety

"This is a devastating loss for his family, for those who worked alongside him in Troop Seven and the entire Highway Patrol and DPS family," authorities said on Facebook. "Our deepest condolences go to his wife and family as they navigate this immense loss."

Ricks was hit on Aug. 10, around 2 a.m., on Interstate 26 eastbound near mile marker 165.

Authorities say Rick

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