Aiken County, South Carolina, January 12, 2026
A tragic collision occurred on Walker Road in Aiken County, resulting in the death of a 61-year-old moped driver. Donald Rushton was struck from behind by a pickup truck while riding his three-wheeled moped. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene shortly after the incident. The driver of the other vehicle suffered injuries and is currently hospitalized. The incident is under investigation by the Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Aiken County, South Carolina
A tragic incident occurred on Walker Road in Aiken County, South Carolina, on Saturday evening, January 10, 2026, resulting in the death of a 61-year-old moped driver. Donald Rushton, a resident of Salley, was pronounced dead at the scene after his three-wheeled moped was struck from behind by a pickup truck. The collision took place around 7:45 p.m. in the 100 block of Walker Road.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to reports from the Aiken County Coroner’s Office, Donald Rushton was operating a 2018 Hozhou three-wheeled moped and traveling northbound on Walker Road. At the same time, a 2011 Toyota Tundra pickup truck, also heading northbound, collided with the moped from behind. Emergency services responded to the scene, but Rushton succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at approximately 8:25 p.m.
The driver of the Toyota Tundra also sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The current condition of the truck driver has not been released. No further details regarding other injuries were immediately available.
Ongoing Investigation
The incident is currently under investigation by multiple authorities. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office is working in conjunction with the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision. As part of the investigation, an autopsy for Donald Rushton is scheduled to be performed in Newberry next week.
At this time, there has been no official word regarding any charges being filed in connection with the crash. Authorities have not yet commented on whether seatbelts or other safety restraints were in use by those involved.
Context of Road Safety in South Carolina
This fatal crash marks a somber start to the year for Aiken County. Data from the state Department of Public Safety indicates that this is the first deadly crash reported in Aiken County for 2026. In the previous year, 2025, at least 23 people died in crashes within Aiken County.
Across the state, road safety continues to be a critical concern. Through January 4, 2026, at least five people had already died on South Carolina roads. In 2025, a minimum of 914 people were killed in collisions throughout South Carolina, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced on state roadways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened on Walker Road in Aiken County?
- A 61-year-old moped driver, Donald Rushton, was killed in a collision on Walker Road in Aiken County, South Carolina, on Saturday evening, January 10, 2026, after his moped was struck from behind by a pickup truck.
- When did the moped crash occur?
- The collision occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday evening, January 10, 2026.
- Who was the victim of the fatal crash?
- The victim was identified as 61-year-old Donald Rushton, a Salley resident.
- Which agencies are investigating the crash?
- The Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating the crash.
- Was anyone else injured in the collision?
- The driver of the pickup truck that collided with the moped was also injured and transported to a hospital for treatment.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Saturday, January 10, 2026 | Local |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 7:45 p.m. | Local |
| Location | Walker Road, Aiken County, South Carolina | Local |
| Victim’s Name | Donald Rushton | Local |
| Victim’s Age | 61 years old | Local |
| Victim’s Vehicle | 2018 Hozhou three-wheeled moped | Local |
| Other Vehicle Involved | 2011 Toyota Tundra pickup truck | Local |
| Fatalities | 1 (Donald Rushton) | Local |
| Other Injuries | Driver of pickup truck (transported to hospital) | Local |
| Investigating Authorities | Aiken County Coroner’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol’s MAIT | State-level |
| Autopsy Scheduled | Yes, in Newberry next week | State-level |
| 2026 SC Road Fatalities (through Jan 4) | At least 5 people | State-level |
| 2025 SC Road Fatalities (minimum) | 914 people | State-level |
| 2025 Aiken County Fatalities | At least 23 people | Local |
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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.
