EDGEFIELD COUNTY, SC — The community of North Augusta and Edgefield County is carrying a heavy sorrow after the heartbreaking loss of 68-year-old Mark D. Baker, who tragically passed away following a pedestrian crash on Tuesday night. The incident has left family, friends, and neighbors in disbelief as they come to terms with the sudden loss of a man remembered for his kindness, steady presence, and deep-rooted ties to the area.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the collision occurred shortly after 8:00 p.m. along U.S. Highway 25 near Bettis Academy Road. Authorities reported that Baker was walking along the roadway when he was struck by a northbound vehicle. Despite immediate efforts by first responders to render aid, Baker succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver involved remained on site and cooperated fully with law enforcement during the investigation, which remains ongoing as officials work to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic event.
Mark Baker’s passing has rippled through both North Augusta and Edgefield County, where he was a familiar and beloved figure. Friends describe him as a humble man with a generous spirit—someone who never hesitated to lend a hand, share a story, or greet neighbors with a warm smile. Whether it was volunteering in local community projects, helping maintain church grounds, or spending time with loved ones, Baker embodied the quiet strength and compassion that define small-town life in the South.
“Mark had a heart of gold,” shared longtime friend David McMillan, who had known Baker for over 30 years. “He was the kind of man who made people feel seen and valued. Losing him like this doesn’t feel real. It’s a loss that’s going to be felt for a long time.”
Family members are remembering Baker as a devoted father, grandfather, and brother whose love for his family was unmatched. Those closest to him say that his greatest joy came from spending time outdoors—whether fishing along local creeks, tending his garden, or taking peaceful evening walks that connected him to nature and to the community he cherished.
Neighbors have begun placing flowers and candles near the site of the crash, turning the stretch of highway into a growing memorial that reflects both grief and gratitude for the life he lived. Local churches have also opened their doors for prayer services and support gatherings, offering comfort to those struggling to cope with the loss.
The Edgefield County Coroner’s Office confirmed Baker’s identity on Wednesday morning and extended condolences to his family. Officials reminded the public to remain cautious when traveling along rural roads, particularly during nighttime hours, as visibility can be limited in certain areas.
As the investigation continues, the community is uniting to remember a man who gave so much of himself to others. While the pain of his loss runs deep, Mark D. Baker’s legacy—one of kindness, integrity, and love for his neighbors—will continue to shine brightly across Edgefield County and beyond.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, and loved ones say they plan to honor him in a way that reflects his generous heart and lifelong dedication to family and community.
In the words of one local resident, “Mark may be gone, but his spirit will always walk with us. He was part of what makes this place feel like home.”
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