Woman sentenced after admitting drink driving and causing fatal crash in North Strand

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – A woman is going to jail after admitting to driving while intoxicated near North Myrtle Beach, resulting in a fatal crash.

Nikki Anne Eddy, 49, of Longs, pleaded guilty Monday to driving under the influence causing death in connection with a traffic accident in September 2021, the 15th Judicial District Attorney's Office said.

A Horry County judge sentenced Eddy to nine years in prison.

Eddy, driving a Nissan sedan, crossed the center line on Highway 90 near the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex on September 2, 2021, and collided head-on with a motorcyclist. According to the Horry County Fire Department, the motorcycle caught fire.

The motorcyclist died and the Horry County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Michael Allen, 72, of Galivants Ferry.

At the time of the accident, Eddy's blood alcohol level was 0.148%.

“The officers of the Highway Patrol's Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team did an incredible job in investigating this incident and ultimately determining the facts,” said James Stanko, one of the prosecutors in the case.

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Eddy must now serve 85 percent of her sentence before she is eligible for parole, the law firm said.

The law firm added that drunk driving resulting in death is a violent crime and a violation under the state's three-strikes law.

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