Tragedy Strikes Newberry County: Construction Worker Dies

Emergency responders at the site of a trench collapse in Newberry County

News Summary

A construction worker lost his life during a trench collapse in Newberry County, SC. Anthony Marquet Hollowman, 53, was working on a water line installation when the accident happened, leading to a rescue attempt by colleagues and specialized emergency teams. Investigations into the cause are underway as the community mourns this tragic loss.

Tragedy Strikes Newberry County: Construction Worker Loses Life in Trench Collapse

Newberry County, S.C. was shaken by a tragic incident on February 18, 2025, when a trench collapse resulted in the untimely death of a construction worker. The victim, identified as 53-year-old Anthony Marquet Hollowman from Bishopville, was performing vital work on a water line installation at the time of the accident.

A Day Like Any Other

On that fateful morning, everything seemed like any other workday. Hollowman and his colleagues were diligently working in the 7700 block of Macedonia Church Road, near the small town of Prosperity, when disaster struck around 10:50 a.m. Without warning, the trench he was in caved in, which quickly turned a routine job into a life-threatening emergency.

Efforts to Rescue

As the trench collapsed, immediate panic ensued. Colleagues rushed to attempt a rescue, frantically working to free their trapped coworker. But their desperate efforts proved futile. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene following an emergency call.

Specialized Units Come to the Scene

To handle the delicate situation, specialized trench rescue units were called in, including teams from Whitmire Rescue, Newberry County Rescue and Fire Services, Columbia Fire Department, and Lexington County Fire Services. These teams are specially trained for such emergencies and arrived with the hope of navigating the challenging conditions to save Hollowman.

Understanding the Incident

Preliminary reports indicated that the trench where Hollowman was working was approximately six feet deep. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported, but the incident left a deep impact on the community and his grieving colleagues.

Next Steps and Investigations

As investigations into the cause of the trench collapse begin, several factors are currently being assessed. Among them are the effects of recent rains and the condition of the roadbed structure. It will take time to uncover the specific reasons behind this tragic event.

The Community Responds

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster described the tragedy as heart-wrenching, noting that such incidents are incredibly rare in his over thirty years of public service. The community is coming together in disbelief as they mourn the loss of a dedicated worker who played an essential part in their infrastructure.

Condolences and Future Updates

Daniel Quattlebaum, from the Newberry County Water and Sewer Authority, has also extended condolences to Hollowman’s family and coworkers, highlighting the sense of loss shared by many. An autopsy has been scheduled by the Newberry County Coroner’s Office later in the week to ascertain the overall impact of this tragic accident.

Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation unfolds, the authorities are expected to provide updates regarding their findings in the coming days. It’s a painful reminder of the risks associated with construction work, especially in challenging conditions. The community remains hopeful that through this tragedy, lessons will be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In times like these, the thoughts and prayers of many are with the Hollowman family and all those affected by this devastating event. Newberry County stands strong, standing together to support one another through such trying times.