In Loving Memory of Wilbur Haile Hayes IV

In Loving Memory of Wilbur Haile Hayes IV

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we remember and honor the life of Wilbur Haile Hayes IV, whose life was tragically lost in the early hours of January 15, 2026, in a single-vehicle accident in Pendleton. His passing has left family, friends, and the surrounding communities grieving a loss that feels both sudden and deeply painful.

According to the Pickens County Coroner’s Office, emergency crews responded at approximately 12:15 a.m. to W. Queen Street, where a vehicle was found fully engulfed in flames. During firefighting efforts, one occupant was discovered inside the vehicle. Through dental comparison, the victim was later identified as Wilbur Haile Hayes IV of Anderson. Authorities have ruled the manner of death accidental.

In the quiet stillness of that January night, tragedy unfolded in a way no one could have anticipated. While official details provide the framework of what happened, they can never fully capture the weight of what has been lost — a son, a family member, a friend, and a life filled with stories, memories, and meaning.

Wilbur was more than the circumstances of his passing. He was a person with a unique spirit, someone whose presence left an impression on those around him. Those who knew him speak of his individuality and the quiet strength he carried. Whether through shared conversations, moments of laughter, or simply being present, Wilbur formed connections that mattered.

To his family, he was a cherished part of their lives — someone whose absence will be felt at holidays, birthdays, and in the small, everyday moments that now carry a deeper ache. Grief often arrives in waves, and for those closest to him, the journey ahead will be one of remembrance, reflection, and healing.

The communities of Anderson and Pendleton now share in that sorrow. When tragedy strikes close to home, it reminds us of how fragile life can be and how important it is to hold our loved ones near. In honoring Wilbur’s memory, friends and neighbors are reminded to extend compassion, to check in on one another, and to treasure the time we are given.

Though his life ended far too soon, Wilbur Haile Hayes IV will not be forgotten. His name, his story, and the memories he leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. May his family find comfort in the support that surrounds them. And may his memory forever remain a blessing.