News Summary
A 55-year-old man has been charged with Felony DUI causing death following a motorcycle crash in Aiken. The incident involved Christopher Hogan’s car and motorcycle rider Summer Poole, who tragically died at the scene. Witnesses reported Hogan had consumed alcohol prior to the crash. The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on potential upgrades to Hogan’s charges. The community mourns the loss of Poole, who was beloved by friends and family.
Aiken, South Carolina –
A 55-year-old man has been charged with Felony DUI causing death following a fatal motorcycle crash that took place on July 26, 2025, at approximately 6:09 PM. The collision involved Christopher Hogan, who was driving a northbound Honda Civic, and 28-year-old Summer Poole, from New Ellenton, who was riding her motorcycle southbound on Whiskey Road.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Whiskey Road and Chukker Creek Road when Hogan’s vehicle turned into the path of Summer Poole’s motorcycle. Reports indicate that the motorcycle crashed into the passenger side of Hogan’s vehicle, resulting in Poole being thrown onto the pavement. Emergency personnel pronounced her dead at the scene at 6:53 PM.
Christopher Hogan is currently being held at the Aiken County Detention Center without bond. Witnesses reported that Hogan had consumed three White Claws prior to the crash, according to occupants in his vehicle. The Aiken Department of Public Safety and the Coroner’s Office continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the potential for upgraded charges against Hogan, although no information is available yet regarding this matter.
An autopsy for Summer Poole has been scheduled for the following week in Newberry. The tragic event has sparked an outpouring of grief within the community, with many individuals expressing their condolences to Summer’s family on social media platforms.
Summer Poole was known for frequently riding with her husband, Billy Poole. The couple married in 2021, and the loss has left a significant impact on those who knew her. In the aftermath of the incident, Summer’s mother, Jamie Brogden, has criticized the decision of drivers to operate vehicles while intoxicated, expressing sorrow over the accident that claimed her daughter’s life.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are urging motorists to be mindful of the dangers posed by drunk driving and the potential consequences that can arise from such reckless behavior. The tragic loss of Summer Poole serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating impact that impaired driving can have on families and communities.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Motorcyclist Dead After Crash in Aiken
- Wikipedia: Motorcycle Safety
- WJBF: DUI Charges Filed After Deadly Aiken Motorcycle Collision
- Google Search: Aiken Motorcycle Accident
- The Augusta Press: Aiken County Motorcyclist Killed in Crash
- Google Scholar: Motorcycle Accidents Statistics
- WFXG: Fatal Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Aiken County Woman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- The State: Traffic News
- Google News: Motorcycle Crash Aiken
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.
