South Carolina Sheriff's Deputy Remains in Critical Condition After Being Hit

CHARLESTON, South Carolina -- A Charleston County Sheriff's deputy remains in critical condition after he was struck while assisting a tow truck driver with a disabled vehicle on July 1.

Deputy Mike Costanzo stopped on Interstate 526 westbound on the Don Holt Bridge just before 10 a.m. to assist a tow truck driver and a disabled motorist when a westbound vehicle struck the deputy's marked patrol vehicle, which then struck other vehicles on scene, according to a news release.

The impact of the crash left Costanzo with critical injuries and caused tow truck driver William Ellis to go over the bridge before his body was found a day later in the water near Daniel Island.

Costanzo's family has shared a message with the community, updating them on the deputy's condition as he continues to recover at the Medical University of South Carolina.

"Our family wants to thank everyone from the very bottom of our hearts for the prayers and good wishes you’ve sent Mike. He is still in critical condition and has significant trauma to his head, along with many many broken bones," his family wrote in the message. "The head injury is improving slowly but going in the right direction thanks to the the measures taken by the Neuro team at MUSC. He’s having his first surgery today to fix one of his legs. Your support and love for Mike has filled our hearts and lifted our spirits when we’ve needed the most. Thank you Team Mike family !!!"

Costanzo had worked for the Charleston County Sheriff's Office between 1994 and 2006, then returned in April 2017. He has served as a much-loved SRO at Sullivan’s Island Elementary during the school year and was assigned to the Marine Patrol Unit this summer.