New Mom, 31, Found Dead After Being Run Over and Dragged by Car in Shopping Center Parking Lot

A South Carolina woman who welcomed her first baby less than four months ago has died after being struck by a vehicle and dragged along the ground.

According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a shopping center parking lot on the city’s Whitney Road for a welfare check at around 3:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Investigators responded after receiving a report about a woman in the parking lot “who appeared to be deceased.”

At the scene, officials identified the woman as 31-year-old Dané Josephine Waddell. Authorities later determined she had “sustained fatal injuries” caused by a vehicle. Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger told FOX Carolina, WYFF and The Post and Courier that officials “have evidence that she was run over and dragged by a vehicle.”

Dané’s family told FOX Carolina that she welcomed a baby girl in October 2025. Loved ones remember her as a bright presence in her community, known for her independence and upbeat spirit.

Dané’s aunt, Sheina Waddell, told the Post and Courier that her niece had a natural way of drawing people in from an early age, often smiling and waving at strangers. Sheina also recalled that Dané was motivated and determined as a teenager, wanting to move to the Spartanburg area so she could attend an academically rigorous high school.

“She had a style of her own,” her aunt said, adding that Dané was known for her cooking and personal flair. Sheina said Dané attended cosmetology school to become a hair stylist and was especially skilled at makeup.

Speaking with the Post and Courier, Dané’s family issued a public plea for the driver responsible to come forward, as the Sheriff’s Office said no arrests have been made.

“We would ask for the person who has done this to come forward and be brave about it and understand the impact that they have already caused,” Sheina said.

The Sheriff’s Office said the case remains active and that investigators are working alongside the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Nick Federico at (864) 503-4591 or nfederico@spartanburgcounty.org.

Sheina said the Waddell family is grieving and has asked the public to keep them in their prayers. She also urged the driver to consider what it would feel like if the situation were reversed.

“How would they feel about the impact of this happening to their family?” she said. “Would they want [the driver] to come forward for peace of mind for the family and justice for the family?”