News Summary
Christopher Hogan, 55, has been arrested on felony DUI charges after a motorcycle crash that resulted in the death of 28-year-old Summer Poole in Aiken County, South Carolina. The collision occurred during a left turn by Hogan, whose impairment was evident at the scene, registering a BAC of 0.22. Emergency services were unable to save Poole, which has left her family and community mourning her tragic loss.
Aiken County Man Charged with Felony DUI After Fatal Motorcycle Crash
Aiken County, South Carolina – Christopher Hogan, 55, has been arrested and charged with felony driving under the influence (DUI) following a tragic motorcycle crash that resulted in the death of Summer Poole, 28. The incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 6:09 p.m. at the bustling intersection of Whiskey Road and Chukker Creek Road.
Poole was riding her motorcycle southbound on Whiskey Road when Hogan, driving a gray 2025 Honda Civic, attempted to make a left turn but failed to yield. The collision occurred when Poole’s motorcycle collided forcefully with the passenger side of Hogan’s vehicle. The impact was severe, causing Poole to be thrown off her bike and land on the roadway. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but despite their efforts, Poole was pronounced dead at 6:53 p.m.
Investigators revealed that alcohol played a significant role in the circumstances leading up to the crash. Reports indicate that officers detected a strong odor of alcohol on Hogan, who exhibited signs of impairment such as slurred speech during their encounter. Hogan was subjected to a breathalyzer test, registering a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.22, which is nearly three times the accepted legal limit of 0.08 for driving in South Carolina.
Traffic and Investigation Details
The collision necessitated rerouting traffic for over two hours while emergency crews managed the scene. The intersection was reopened at approximately 8:40 p.m. as investigators worked to piece together the events leading to the tragedy.
Following the incident, authorities took Hogan into custody at the scene and transported him to the Aiken County Detention Center, where he remains held on the DUI charges. The ongoing investigation continues as law enforcement officials gather further details regarding the collision.
Impact on Family and Community
Summer Poole’s family is grappling with the grief of her unexpected loss. Her mother and husband have shared heartfelt reflections, describing her as a vibrant individual and an essential part of their family unit, often regarded as the glue that held them together. The impact of her untimely death ripples through her community, leaving many in mourning.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office has announced that Summer Poole’s body will undergo an autopsy next week as part of the standard procedure following fatal accidents. This examination will provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding her death and may also aid in the investigation into the crash.
The incident underscores the dangers associated with impaired driving and its devastating consequences, highlighting the importance of responsible alcohol consumption. As the community navigates through this tragic event, the focus remains on supporting Poole’s family and addressing the issues surrounding DUI-related accidents on local roads.
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Additional Resources
- WACH: Man Arrested and Charged with Felony DUI After Fatal Weekend Crash
- Wikipedia
- WJBF: DUI Charges Filed After Deadly Aiken Motorcycle Collision
- Google Search: Traffic Accidents
- WRDW: Family Clings to Each Other After DUI Crash Kills 28-Year-Old Motorcyclist
- Encyclopedia Britannica: DUI
- WRDW: CSRA Traffic Accidents Kill at Least 4 People in 4 Days
- Google News: DUI Accidents
- The Augusta Press: Mugshot of Local Principal’s DUI Arrest Goes Viral
- Post and Courier: ADPS Officer Resigns After Being Charged with DUI
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.
