Hopkins Man Identified as Motorcyclist Killed in 2-Vehicle Collision

A Hopkins man has been identified as the motorcyclist killed in a collision with a car Saturday night.

John E. Sparrow, 48, was operating a motorcycle without a helmet when he was apparently hit by a vehicle, Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said. 

The collision happened at the intersection of Hazelwood Road and Burdell Drive, which is between Garner's Ferry and Caughman roads.

Columbia Police say a car was traveling south on Hazelwood Road when the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Burdell Drive, failing to yield the right of way to the motorcycle traveling north on Hazelwood Road.

The motorcycle collided with the car, striking the right front passenger door of the vehicle, Columbia Police spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons said.

Sparrow was transported by EMS to Palmetto Health Richland and was pronounced dead at 9:39 p.m., Watts said.

An autopsy conducted Sunday morning shows that Sparrow died from injuries sustained in the crash, according to the coroner's office.

The driver of the car, 26-year-old Troy Labrente Wilson of Columbia, is charged with felony DUI involving death, hit and run involving death, driving under suspension second offense, seatbelt violation, failure to render aid, open container in a motor vehicle and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.

Wilson allegedly left the scene of the collision but returned and was arrested at that time, Timmons said. 

The collision Saturday night was the city's first alcohol-related death in 2013.