Man jailed for fatal DUI crash in Ravenel

Brandon David Simons, a 27-year-old from Piedmont, turned himself in to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office more than a year and a half after a fatal DUI crash. He is accused of killing dentist Dr. Nathan David Head, 37, in November 2023 and injuring several others. The crash occurred on November 18, 2023, when Simons's car veered into the opposite lane on Highway 17 and collided head-on with Head's vehicle. Prosecutors say Simons was driving at about 86 mph in a 50 mph zone at the time. Head died at the scene, and the accident left about nine people injured. Simons faces multiple charges, including one count of reckless homicide and four counts of felony driving under the influence causing great bodily injury. His arrest was delayed due to ongoing medical complications stemming from the crash, which left him with serious injuries. During a bond hearing on March 19, 2025, Judge Amanda Haselden set bond amounts for several charges but denied bond on the charge related to Head's death. Haselden cited Simons's history of traffic offenses and failures to appear in court as reasons for her decision. Partial toxicology results showed no alcohol in Simons's system but indicated the presence of ketamine and other compounds. His attorney argued that Simons’s medical condition requires specialized care that the jail cannot provide. Simons has had multiple hospitalizations due to complications from the crash, including surgery and a diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Simons's mother expressed concern for his health if he were to be held in jail. She stated that his condition has improved at home with her care. A victim's advocate reported that Juliana Head, the victim's wife, urged the judge to deny bond for Simons. Juliana Head is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against Simons and the vehicle's owner. The crash raised questions about drug use, as the passenger in Simons's vehicle admitted to using nitrous oxide at the time of the incident. The legal proceedings continue as both criminal and civil cases unfold.