COLUMBIA, S.C. — Robert Barrs' friends and family were still in shock Friday, after the South Carolina Highway Patrol said Barrs was killed Thursday evening by a hit-and-run driver as he was crossing Highway 178 in Pelion on his way to a local store.
Troopers said after having already been struck, Barrs' body lay near the side of the road as 34 vehicles passed by, with some of those vehicles hitting his body.
Now they’re seeking the public’s help in finding the driver of the vehicle that initially hit the man and fled the scene.
Kyle Mastos choked up as he remembered his neighbor.
“I know he loves his family a lot,” Mastos said, trying not to let his emotions overcome him.
Mastos said Barrs regularly crossed the busy road to visit Rucker Feed and Seed for groceries or a meal.
“I know my wife sees him almost every morning going across the street, looking both ways, to get some breakfast, or some kind of food. Whatever they had over there," Mastos recalled.
Members of Barrs’ family, who live adjacent to his property, say he lived in the area for decades and was a good man who was always kind, generous and helpful.
They were still trying to make sense of Barrs' death, less than 24 hours after the accident.
As vehicles raced past Mastos' front yard, he said speeding in the area is a chronic problem.
“The speed limit is 55, but a lot of people don’t abide by that. They fly down this road. I’ve got two kids, and I pretty much have to keep them in the backyard because it’s too dangerous to be in the front yard, especially how traffic goes through here,” Mastos said.
Friday afternoon, the highway patrol released a description of the vehicle they believed initially hit and killed Barrs. Troopers say they are looking for a champagne-colored 2011-2013 Chevrolet Impala. They say the car will have damage to the front and driver side.
Barrs’ family is hopeful someone will come forward with more information.
Troopers are asking anyone who may have information about the incident to contact them directly, by calling *HP, utilizing the P3 Tips app or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.