News Summary
Authorities in Aiken County are investigating a tragic crash that resulted in the death of 42-year-old Wade Sweat III. The incident occurred on Old Barnwell Road when Sweat lost control of his vintage Chevrolet truck, ultimately leading to a collision with a fence. Emergency services transported Sweat to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries later that day. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is examining various factors, including weather conditions and driver behavior, as they probe the circumstances surrounding this fatal accident.
Aiken County, South Carolina – Authorities are conducting an investigation into a fatal crash that claimed the life of 42-year-old Wade Sweat III on June 2, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 10:12 a.m. on Old Barnwell Road, specifically in the 1400 block near Stillwater Road.
According to preliminary reports, Wade Sweat III was driving a vintage 1994 Chevrolet truck northbound when the accident took place. The vehicle veered off the left side of the roadway, leading Sweat to make an attempt to regain control. Unfortunately, the truck swerved back, overturned, and eventually collided with a fence.
Emergency medical services were called to the scene and promptly transported Sweat to Wellstar MCG Health for treatment. Sadly, despite the efforts of medical staff, Wade Sweat III succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead later that day at 5:45 p.m. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office was also notified and responded to the scene of the accident.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. They are expected to assess various factors contributing to the incident, including vehicle speed and driver behavior. Authorities are also looking into whether environmental conditions played a role in the accident.
On the day of the crash, weather reports indicated there was a likelihood of showers and thundershowers in the area, with a high temperature of around 84°F and winds blowing from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. The National Weather Service had forecast a 70% chance of rain, with scattered thunderstorms early and a low of approximately 70°F expected later that night.
This tragic event is part of a larger pattern of severe weather-related incidents occurring across the region. Around the same time, a tornado watch was issued for neighboring Chatham County, and there were reports of severe thunderstorms causing damage and multiple fatalities throughout surrounding areas. The correlation between adverse weather conditions and vehicular incidents raises concerns for the safety of drivers in affected regions, prompting authorities to remind the public to exercise caution during such weather events.
As the investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol progresses, further information may be revealed regarding the specific factors that led to this tragic accident. Traffic safety officials and local community members are encouraged to stay informed about the ongoing developments. The loss of Wade Sweat III has left a mark on the community, emphasizing the need for vigilant driving, especially during inclement weather.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Chatham County Under a Tornado Watch
- Wikipedia: Tornado Watch
- WITN: Snowfall Totals from Wednesday’s Storm
- Google Search: Snowfall Totals North Carolina
- Fox Weather: Tropical Storm Debby Flood Threat
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storms
- Herald Online: Weather News Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- News Observer: Weather News Article
- Google News: Weather Forecast
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
