Carolina Beach reacts to death of Myrtle Beach woman ran over by patrol car

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A woman died in Myrtle Beach last week when a Horry County Police Department vehicle ran over her while she was on the beach. 

According to Horry County Police, the officer was driving a patrol vehicle on the beach in the Nash St. area last Thursday, when it struck 66-year-old Myrtle Beach resident Sandra Schultz-Peters. Paramedics took her to Grand Strand Regional Hospital where she later died.  

The officer who hit the woman is currently on paid administrative leave. 

On Monday, in Carolina Beach, WWAY spoke with New Hanover County resident Neil Ross who is spending the day on the beach with his family from California. He said this incident is making him extra cautious on the beach. 

“You always have to remain aware of what’s going on in your surroundings and when you’re on the beach, there’s a lot more action and there’s’ the water. So, you have to be aware of the waves and of course vehicles,” Ross said. 

WWAY checked in with one area beach about measures it has in place to prevent something like this from happening. We spoke with Carolina Beach Town Manager Bruce Oakley. He said what happened in Myrtle Beach is a tragedy. 

Carolina Beach Town Manager Bruce Oakley said Carolina Beach extends its condolences to all involved. 

“We feel for the Myrtle Beach and Horry County Emergency Services, what they’re going through. It’s a tough time for everyone there. We hate to ever hear of any tragedies on the beach, especially with these families in town having fun,” Oakley said. 

Oakley said to those on edge for their next beach trip, the town of Carolina Beach is taking all precautions necessary to ease those worries. 

“We keep a 20-foot emergency lane free. We don’t allow people to put their chairs or play in those areas or gather in those areas because we have emergency vehicles, ATVs, and other things working on the beach that will be in those lanes,” Oakley said. 

He said you must do your part as well to ensure safety. 

“Have fun at the beach but always be alert for vehicles and any other dangers you may see on the beach,” Oakley said.