Gaffney Mourns the Tragic Loss of Aris Centel Smith, 33, Fatally Struck on I-85 in Early Morning Incident
The community of Gaffney, South Carolina, is grappling with grief and shock following a heartbreaking and deeply unsettling incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 24, 2025. Authorities have confirmed that 33-year-old Aris Centel Smith tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 85. The sudden loss has sent ripples of sorrow throughout the town, leaving loved ones and community members struggling to comprehend the devastating news.
A Tragic Incident on I-85
According to officials from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the fatal incident occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. on the northbound side of I-85 near Exit 95. Preliminary investigations reveal that Smith was on foot when he was struck by a passing vehicle. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but sadly, Aris was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities stated that the driver involved in the incident remained at the location and is cooperating fully with investigators. No charges have been filed at this time, and the circumstances leading up to the tragedy remain under investigation. It is still unclear why Aris was on the highway at that hour, and officials are working to determine whether a vehicle breakdown, medical emergency, or other factors may have contributed.
Remembering Aris Centel Smith
Born and raised in Gaffney, Aris Centel Smith was known as a warm, generous, and caring individual whose presence brought comfort to those around him. He was a beloved son, father, friend, and neighbor whose absence will be felt deeply.
Aris had a reputation for his easy smile, his ability to lift others’ spirits, and his unwavering loyalty to those he cared about. Friends describe him as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter the time of day. He had a deep love for his family, especially his young children, whom he often referred to as the center of his world.
“He had a big heart and an even bigger soul,” said a longtime friend. “If you were in trouble, Aris was the one you called. He was dependable, honest, and full of love.”
He had worked various jobs throughout Cherokee County, primarily in construction and landscaping, where coworkers praised his work ethic and good-natured personality. Aris was known to share what little he had and was often seen supporting local causes or helping friends and neighbors with small jobs or errands.
A Town in Mourning
News of Aris’s passing spread quickly throughout Gaffney, and an outpouring of grief has flooded social media as friends and family members post tributes, memories, and photos celebrating his life. Many have expressed disbelief, calling his death not only tragic but senseless and sudden.
“He didn’t deserve this,” one relative wrote. “He had his struggles like anyone, but he was trying. He loved his kids more than anything.”
Local residents have already begun organizing a candlelight vigil to be held at a nearby park where Aris often spent time with his children. A memorial fund has also been set up by friends of the family to assist with funeral expenses and provide support to his children in the weeks and months to come.
Church leaders and local organizations have offered condolences and support, emphasizing the importance of community and collective healing in the wake of such a loss. Many are calling for increased safety measures and public awareness regarding pedestrian presence near highways.
Honoring His Memory
Funeral arrangements for Aris Centel Smith are currently underway, and details will be announced in the coming days. His family has requested privacy as they process their grief and prepare to say goodbye to a man whose life was taken far too soon.
In honoring Aris’s memory, those who knew and loved him hope to remember the best of who he was—his compassion, his laughter, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved. Though the circumstances of his passing are painful, his legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of the Gaffney community.
Gone Too Soon, Never Forgotten
As Gaffney continues to mourn, there is a collective sense of heartbreak over a life lost too soon. Aris Centel Smith was a father, a friend, and a familiar face in the community—a man who mattered deeply to many.
May he rest in peace, and may those left behind find strength and comfort in remembering the warmth, love, and humanity that defined his life.