JOHNSON, S.C. -- A Johnston police officer died after a single-vehicle crash Friday night.
James Eric Chapman, 30, died of his injuries following the crash, said Edgefield County Coroner Thurmond Burnett.
Investigators with the S.C. Highway Patrol said the crash happened at about 10:15 p.m. Friday.
Investigators said Chapman was driving on Columbia Road when he went off the shoulder, hit some trees and was thrown out of his vehicle. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.
Investigators could not confirm whether Chapman was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Chapman was a corporal with the Johnston Police Department in Edgefield County.
"The Edgefield County Law Officers Association would like to ask everyone to keep Cpl. Eric Chapman and his family in your prayers through this difficult time" according to a statement posted on the Edgefield County Law Officers Association's Facebook page Saturday morning. "Cpl. Chapman lost his life in the line of duty last night after a motor vehicle collision. Cpl. Chapman served in the U.S. Marine Corps before coming to serve the community of Johnston, SC. Godspeed Brother we will take the watch from here."
An addition post on the page states: "Funeral services for Cpl. James Eric Chapman will be on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Saluda Church of God which is located at 201 S. Jennings Street, Saluda SC 29138. Family will receive family, friends, and others at Ramsey Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, from 6-8. The address to the funeral home is 202 N. Rudolph Street, Saluda SC 29138."
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