News Summary
An 86-year-old man, Ronald New, lost his life in a golf cart accident in Aiken County. The incident occurred at the intersection of Powell Pond Road and Scotch Lane, where New was ejected from the vehicle after crashing into a ditch. The ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol aims to determine contributing factors to the accident, with a focus on safety measures for golf cart usage.
Aiken County, South Carolina – Tragic Golf Cart Accident Claims Life of 86-Year-Old
An 86-year-old man, Ronald New, died in a golf cart accident shortly after midnight on Saturday, August 10, 2025, in Aiken County. The incident took place at the intersection of Powell Pond Road and Scotch Lane, where New was operating an EZ-GO golf cart.
Aiken County Coroner’s Office reported that New was traveling westbound on Powell Pond Road when he suddenly veered off to the left side of the road. This led to the golf cart crashing into a ditch, which resulted in New being ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:10 a.m. due to blunt force injuries.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. As part of their efforts, toxicology analysis results are pending to determine if any other contributing factors played a role in the tragic incident.
Details of the Incident
The accident unfolded just moments after midnight, drawing the attention of local authorities and emergency personnel. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office was dispatched to the scene to investigate the fatality. According to preliminary reports, New was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which is a common safety feature not typically found in golf carts.
Law enforcement and safety experts stress the importance of safety measures when operating any vehicle, including golf carts. In this incident, the lack of additional safety features may have contributed to the severity of the injuries sustained by New during the accident.
Background Information
Golf carts are often used for various purposes, including short-distance travel in residential areas, especially in communities with golf courses. Although typically associated with leisurely activities, golf carts can pose dangers when operated on public roads. In South Carolina, specific regulations surround the use of golf carts, including where they can be driven and the safety requirements for operators.
In recent years, accidents involving golf carts have raised concerns about safety implications and the need for stricter regulations. Local authorities routinely investigate such incidents to enhance awareness and identify potential areas for improvement in public safety measures.
Community Response
News of Ronald New’s death has sent shockwaves through the community. Residents expressed their condolences and shared memories of New, who was known for his friendly demeanor and community involvement. The loss of an elder citizen in such a tragic manner highlights the need for increased awareness around safe driving practices for golf carts, particularly among senior citizens.
As the investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol continues, community members remain hopeful that lessons learned from this incident could prevent future tragedies. Efforts to improve golf cart safety education may come as a response from local organizations and public officials in light of this upsetting event.
The Aiken County community continues to mourn the loss of Ronald New, reminding all to prioritize safety and caution while operating any type of vehicle on public roads.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Aiken Man Dies After Crashing Golf Cart
- Wikipedia: Golf Cart
- WFXG: Fatal Golf Cart Crash in Aiken County
- Google Search: Golf cart safety regulations
- WJBF: Golf Cart Crash Leaves Aiken Co Man Dead
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Post and Courier: Aiken Man Killed in Golf Cart Crash
- Google News: Aiken County golf cart accident
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.
