News Summary

A tragic motorcycle accident in Aiken, South Carolina, ended the life of 28-year-old Summer Poole. The incident occurred when a car failed to yield at an intersection, resulting in Poole’s death. The driver of the car, Christopher Hogan, has been charged with DUI resulting in death. This incident raises concerns about traffic safety and the dangers of impaired driving, with the community mourning the loss of a vibrant life cut short.

Aiken, South Carolina – A tragic motorcycle accident on Saturday evening led to the death of 28-year-old Summer Poole, a resident of New Ellenton. The fatal incident occurred around 6:09 p.m. at the intersection of Whiskey Road and Chukker Creek Road, when Poole was riding her motorcycle southbound and a northbound Honda Civic failed to yield, turning into her path.

Emergency personnel pronounced Poole dead at the scene at 6:53 p.m. No other injuries were reported in the crash. The driver of the Civic, 55-year-old Christopher Hogan from Aiken, was arrested on-site and charged with felony driving under the influence resulting in death. He is currently being held without bond as investigations reveal that alcohol was likely a contributing factor to the accident.

An autopsy for Summer Poole is scheduled for next week in Newberry. Reports indicate that she frequently rode her motorcycle alongside her husband, Billy Poole, with whom she had married in 2021. The news of her untimely passing triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, with many friends and family members sharing heartfelt condolences and memories of her life.

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the Aiken Department of Public Safety are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash to provide further clarity on the events leading to the collision. As of July 20, South Carolina has recorded at least 465 traffic-related deaths in 2025. In comparison, Aiken County reported 28 traffic-related fatalities in 2024, and so far in 2025, there have been 9 fatalities recorded.

While officials have not disclosed whether Poole was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, nor if the driver of the Civic was using a seatbelt, the incident raises concerns about traffic safety in the area. The region, known for its scenic roads frequented by motorcyclists, has seen a rise in traffic-related incidents, emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices and awareness among both motorcyclists and motorists alike.

The community continues to mourn the loss of a young life cut short, highlighting the ongoing issues of impaired driving and its devastating effects on families and friends. Authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant and responsible while on the road to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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HERE Resources

Aiken County Mourning Loss of Motorcyclist in Tragic Crash
Fatal Collision and Reckless Driving Raise Safety Concerns in Aiken
Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life in Aiken
Tragic Weekend in Aiken County as Two Fatal Accidents Occur
Tragic Accident Involving Fire Truck Claims Life
Operation Southern Slow Down Campaign Launched
Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of USC Student
Tragic Fatal Accidents Rock South Carolina
Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of USC Student
South Carolina Enacts Hands-Free Driving Law

Additional Resources

• The Augusta Press
• WJBF
• WRDW
• The State
• Post and Courier
• Wikipedia: Motorcycle Safety
• Google Search: Motorcycle Safety
• Google Scholar: Motorcycle Safety
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Motorcycle
• Google News: Motorcycle Crash South Carolina

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.