South Carolina defensive line coach Travian Robertson and his wife, Kettiany, have filed a lawsuit against the estate of the woman who caused the early-morning crash that left him seriously injured last month.
The civil suit, filed in Richland County, argues that the Robertsons are entitled to compensation for “actual and punitive damages” related to “physical injury, pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, loss of consortium, property damage, and other matters.” The amount will ultimately be determined by a jury.
The Accident
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the collision occurred just before 6 a.m. on Aug. 22. Kelly Marie Johnson, a 35-year-old Columbia resident, was driving a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder west on U.S. 76/Dutch Fork Road, near Chapin, when she crossed the center line and struck Robertson’s 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe head-on.
Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. Robertson was rushed to the trauma ICU at Prisma Health Richland, where he remained for 10 days before being discharged on Sept. 5. His attorney confirmed that he has already undergone five surgeries for what were described as “severe and life-changing injuries.”
The Lawsuit’s Claims
Filed on Aug. 28 by attorney Shea Brighthop of Cavanaugh & Thickens LLC, the suit alleges that Johnson had “consumed various alcoholic beverages at an unknown location(s) to and beyond the point of intoxication” before the crash.
A report from WIS, citing the Highway Patrol’s incident findings, noted that Johnson was “under the influence” at the time of the accident.
The lawsuit further argues that Johnson’s “reckless” actions deprived the Robertsons of “services, company, society, cooperation, affection, and companionship.”
Robertson’s Statement
In a message shared through his attorney, Robertson expressed gratitude for the support he’s received since the crash:
“Kettiany, our three boys, and I sincerely appreciate the outpouring of prayers and support we have received from the community in the weeks since my accident.”
He added:
“It has been and will continue to be a journey, but I am grateful to God my life was spared. My current focus is on recovery and rehabilitation so I can get back to being the husband, father and coach I am called to be.”
Road to Recovery
Robertson, who starred for the Gamecocks’ defensive line from 2007–11, returned to Columbia as South Carolina’s defensive line coach in 2023. While he has not fully resumed his duties, he was spotted this past Wednesday in a wheelchair at practice, watching from a balcony with a headset on.
Head coach Shane Beamer praised his resilience:
“We’re in communication with him and talking regularly. He’s getting better every day.”
Defensive coordinator Clayton White echoed that sentiment:
“It’s definitely been awesome to hear his voice, to see him on FaceTime. … We definitely miss him.”
Even from the sidelines, Robertson has continued to contribute virtually to gameplanning sessions, as he works toward what he hopes will be a full return to coaching.
