News Summary
A tragic traffic accident on Mike Padgett Highway in Augusta led to the death of 47-year-old David Stringfield. The incident occurred Thursday evening, and local authorities worked swiftly to manage the scene. Despite the call for Life Flight services, they were canceled upon confirming the fatality. Investigations are ongoing, and officials are urging drivers to prioritize safety on the roads.
Augusta, Georgia – Fatal Traffic Accident Claims Life of Augusta Man on Mike Padgett Highway
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that a fatal traffic accident occurred on Thursday evening, claiming the life of 47-year-old David Stringfield from Augusta. The tragic incident took place on Mike Padgett Highway, near the Burke County line. Stringfield was the only occupant of the vehicle involved in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:59 p.m.
Emergency responders from both the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Burke County deputies were dispatched to the site of the accident. Authorities worked together to reroute traffic and secure the area surrounding the crash. As a result, all lanes of Highway 56 were initially shut down, and northbound traffic was diverted at River Road in Burke County while the scene was managed.
Despite the serious nature of the incident, Life Flight services were called to the scene; however, they were later canceled upon confirmation of the fatality. By late Thursday night, all lanes of Highway 56 had been reopened in both directions, allowing traffic to resume.
Local officials expressed their gratitude to Burke County law enforcement for their prompt assistance in managing the crash site and ensuring the flow of traffic was maintained during the emergency response. The circumstances surrounding Stringfield’s fatal accident are currently under investigation, with no additional details regarding the cause of the crash released at this time.
Background Information
Traffic accidents involving fatalities are a significant concern for many communities, including Augusta and the surrounding areas. Such incidents often prompt quick responses from emergency services and local law enforcement as they strive to provide assistance and ensure public safety in the aftermath of a crash.
This tragic accident highlights the risks associated with roadway travel and emphasizes the importance of traffic safety measures. As investigations continue, local authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Updates and further information regarding the investigation and any related developments will be provided as they become available. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and aware of ongoing safety initiatives in their area.
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Additional Resources
- WJBF – Crash Shuts Down Lanes on Mike Padgett Highway
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WFXG – Victim Identified in Fatal Crash
- Google Search: Traffic Accident Prevention
- WRDW – Scene of Deadly Traffic Accident
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety
- WRDW – Large Crash Shuts Down Padgett Highway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- WJBF – Driver Dies in North Augusta Accident
- Google News: Augusta Traffic Accident

Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.