MYRTLE BEACH, SC — An 18-year-old Myrtle Beach resident is behind bars following a weeks-long investigation into a fiery, three-vehicle crash that killed a local restaurant worker late last month.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Traffic Unit and Warrants Team arrested Nathan Anthony Arroyo, 18, without incident. Arroyo faces a felony charge of reckless homicide in connection with the September 28 crash on Highway 17 Bypass.
First responders rushed to the intersection of Highway 17 Bypass and Pine Island Road / 48th Avenue South after receiving calls about a serious multi-car wreck with a vehicle fire.
According to police reports and witnesses, Arroyo was driving a Ford F-150 on the bypass passing cars recklessly. His truck slammed into oncoming traffic, sparking a chain-reaction crash involving three vehicles.
The hard impact caused two of the vehicles to catch fire, leaving both with severe front-end damage.
The Horry County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Serhii Babak, 37, a local restaurant employee and Ukrainian refugee who had moved to the area. Babak died from injuries he sustained in the wreck. He leaves behind his wife, Inna, and their young son.
Since the crash, co-workers, business owners, and community members have rallied to support Babak’s family, raising more than $20,000 to help pay for living and funeral expenses.
Charges Filed After Investigation
Police initially treated the wreck as a fatal traffic accident. However, investigators upgraded the case to reckless homicide after reviewing evidence from the scene, vehicle data, and witness accounts.
Officers took Arroyo to the Horry County Detention Center, where he will wait for a judge to set his bond.
All individuals named in this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.
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