Update: Fleeing Suspect Strikes, Kills Governor’s Mansion Supervisor Chamberlain E. Branch

Update, 11:58 a.m.: One of two people killed in a three-vehicle collision early Friday morning in downtown Columbia worked as a supervisor at the South Carolina Governor's Mansion, several media outlets report.

Chamberlain Branch was driving west on Huger Street when a 2011 Hyundai traveling north on Blossom Street struck his vehicle after the driver ran a red light when fleeing from Cayce police. 

In a Facebook post, Gov. Nikki Haley wrote,

"We are heartbroken and feel an incredible loss with Chamberlain's passing. Everyone who knew him loved him. His smile and laugh were contagious. He was a very special part of our family, and his gentle soul, good humor, and care will always be treasured memories for each of us. We ask that all South Carolinians lift up in prayer Chamberlain’s wife Cherisse and their three children during this difficult time."

Branch supervised mansion staff and worked for Govs. Jim Hodges and Mark Sandford before working for Haley, according to a report from The State. 

Branch also helped arrange events at the Governor's Mansion. 

The driver of the Hyundai also died, the Highway Patrol said. 

The crash remains under investigation.

Original story: Two people were killed Friday morning in downtown Columbia after a driver fleeing from officers with the Cayce Department of Public Safety ran a red light, causing a three-vehicle collision, the S.C. Highway Patrol said. 

The crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of Blossom and Huger streets.

A 2011 Hyundai traveling north on Blossom Street was attempting to escape from Cayce officers when the driver disregarded a red light and struck a 2003 Ford minivan, which was traveling west on Huger Street, Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins said.

Both drivers were killed, Collins said. 

Officials say after the Hyundai struck the Ford minivan, the vehicle also struck a 2007 Dodge minivan taxi traveling south on Blossom Street.

The driver of that vehicle was uninjured. 

Collins said three passengers in the Hyundai were taken to a local hospital. Their conditions are unknown. 

The collision is under investigation by the Highway Patrol and its Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team as well as the Richland County Coroner's Office.