SALLEY, S.C. — Aiken County officials are investigating a devastating single-vehicle accident that occurred on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the tragic loss of a local resident.
The incident happened at approximately 4:16 p.m. along South Dixie Road, in the area near Jordan Creek Road. Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol, arrived swiftly at the scene following reports of a vehicle crash involving a rollover.
According to initial reports, the driver was operating a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche traveling northbound on South Dixie Road when, for reasons yet to be determined, the vehicle veered off the left-hand side of the road. After leaving the roadway, the vehicle struck a fence and overturned, resulting in catastrophic damage to the vehicle.
Investigators with the Aiken County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and confirmed that the driver, identified as a 63-year-old resident of Salley, had passed away as a result of the crash. No other vehicles or individuals were involved in the collision, and the driver was reportedly alone in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Local authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the crash. It remains unclear whether contributing factors such as a medical emergency, distraction, or mechanical failure played a role. Officials have not released further information pending the completion of a detailed crash reconstruction and toxicology results.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is overseeing the primary investigation. Troopers are expected to analyze vehicle skid marks, roadway conditions, and any surveillance footage that might offer additional insight into what led to the sudden departure from the roadway.
The stretch of South Dixie Road near Jordan Creek Road remained temporarily closed to traffic for several hours while law enforcement and emergency crews conducted their work and ensured the safe removal of the damaged vehicle from the scene. Local residents expressed concern over the safety of the road, which has seen incidents in the past due to its narrow lanes and limited shoulders.
Community members in Salley have shared their condolences, reflecting on the life of the driver, who was known among neighbors and friends for his friendly demeanor and long-standing presence in the area. His passing has deeply affected those who knew him, and tributes have begun appearing across local social media and community spaces.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon, and loved ones are preparing to honor a life that left a lasting mark on the small town of Salley. The family has requested privacy as they process the heartbreaking loss.
Authorities are urging drivers to use extra caution while navigating rural roads and to remain vigilant of changing conditions. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be released by the Aiken County Coroner’s Office and Highway Patrol as they become available.
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