Tammy Mears was just trying to get her car started on a warm Wednesday morning. It was supposed to be a quick, everyday fix. Instead, a quiet stretch of country road became the place where her life suddenly ended.
The 63-year-old was a well-loved resident of Ashford. Neighbors knew her as a friendly face who was always ready to help. She loved her community, and she was deeply rooted in the area.
On July 15, 2026, Tammy was driving near the Columbia area. She was only a few miles away from her home. When her SUV stalled along Highway 95, she did not hesitate to pull over and try to fix it herself.
She got out and hooked up a portable battery jump box under the hood. It was a chore she had probably done before. But as she tried to get back into the driver’s seat, things went terribly wrong.
The heavy SUV suddenly began to roll. It trapped her before she could get out of the way. The vehicle pinned and dragged her, causing severe and fatal injuries.
A mail carrier driving by around 10 a.m. saw the stopped SUV and made the heartbreaking discovery. First responders rushed to the scene after a 10:02 a.m. emergency call, but they could not save her.
Houston County Deputy Coroner Andrew Byrd arrived and confirmed her identity. Now, her family and friends are left trying to process an unimaginable loss. They are holding onto her memory and the kindness she shared with everyone.
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