A tragic two-vehicle crash in Aiken County on Saturday evening has resulted in the death of 28-year-old Summer Poole of New Ellenton, according to the Aiken County Coroner’s Office. The collision took place at around 6:09 p.m. at the intersection of Whiskey Road and Chukker Creek Road. Poole, who was riding a 2003 Honda motorcycle southbound on Whiskey Road, was struck by a northbound Honda Civic that turned into her path.
The impact of the crash was fatal, and emergency responders pronounced Poole dead at the scene at 6:53 p.m. Christopher Hogan, 55, of Aiken, was arrested and charged with felony driving under the influence, causing death. Hogan is currently being held without bond, as indicated by the jail website.
An autopsy is scheduled for next week in Newberry to investigate the cause of death further. Poole, who married her husband, Billy Poole, in 2021, was known for frequently riding with him. Following the tragic news, a flood of grief and support poured onto social media, according to The Augusta Press.
“I can’t believe this. She was the sweetest person ever. RIP Summer Poole. My prayers are with you Billy Poole,” wrote Latoya Lester on Facebook. Deanett Moseley expressed her sorrow, stating, “I just can’t believe this… My heart breaks for her husband and family.
People, please remember motorcycles—yes, we’re not all bad, and we have families too. Look out for us.” Holly Bates added, “Prayers for the family, actions need to be taken seriously when it comes to motorcyclists being hit and killed, especially with all the people moving to the areas around.”
In an emotional post, Jamie Brogden, Summer Poole’s mother, shared more details of the tragic incident: “Especially when they are drinking and driving and high. That was my daughter who was killed. As she was going straight at the light on her bike, the driver of the other car took a left turn and hit her, taking her life.
The driver and his wife were both intoxicated in their vehicle. My daughter was only 28 years old.” The Aiken Department of Public Safety and the Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.