AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. — Community Mourns the Loss of Summer Poole, 28, Killed in Tragic Motorcycle Crash
The Aiken County community is mourning the devastating loss of Summer Poole, a 28-year-old motorcyclist from New Ellenton, South Carolina, who was tragically killed in a two-vehicle crash on the evening of Saturday, July 26, 2025. The fatal collision occurred around 7:15 p.m. on Whiskey Road near the intersection with Williston Road, a well-traveled stretch south of Aiken.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Poole was riding her motorcycle northbound on Whiskey Road when a sedan traveling in the opposite direction attempted to make a left turn onto Williston Road. The two vehicles collided in the intersection, throwing Poole from her bike. Emergency personnel arrived quickly and began life-saving efforts, but sadly, Poole succumbed to her injuries at the scene. She was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The driver of the sedan, whose name has not been publicly released, remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. No additional injuries were reported, and no charges have been filed as of Sunday afternoon. The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is actively investigating the crash to determine if speed, failure to yield, or other factors played a role in the deadly collision.
The tragic loss of Summer Poole has sent ripples of grief through the New Ellenton and Aiken communities, where she was known as a vibrant, adventurous, and caring individual. A graduate of Silver Bluff High School, Summer had built a life filled with passion for the open road, motorcycles, and the close friendships she cultivated over the years.
“She was fearless, full of life, and had a heart of gold,” said longtime friend Ashley Wilkins. “Summer wasn’t just a biker—she was a sister, a friend, and someone who would go out of her way to lift up the people around her.”
Summer worked as a veterinary assistant at a local animal clinic and was beloved by her coworkers and clients alike for her compassion toward animals and her infectious personality. Colleagues described her as dedicated, dependable, and always smiling—even on the hardest days.
“She had a way of making both pets and their owners feel at ease,” said Dr. Michael Garnett, the clinic’s lead veterinarian. “We’ve lost more than an employee—we’ve lost a member of our family.”
Social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes, photos, and memories of Summer since news of the accident spread. Many friends posted pictures of motorcycle rides they had taken together and shared stories of Summer’s loyalty, humor, and determination to live life on her own terms.
In New Ellenton, where Summer had lived most of her life, community members have begun placing flowers, candles, and handwritten notes at a makeshift roadside memorial near the crash site. The local motorcycle community, deeply impacted by her death, is planning a memorial ride in her honor, with riders from across the region expected to participate.
“She was one of us—part of our riding family,” said fellow motorcyclist Jerome Fields. “We’re going to make sure she gets the ride she deserves. She’ll never be forgotten.”
Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables confirmed Summer Poole’s identity on Sunday and expressed condolences to her family. He noted that her death marks another tragic reminder of the dangers motorcyclists face on South Carolina roads, especially at intersections where drivers may fail to see them.
In the wake of the crash, renewed calls are being made for driver awareness and motorcycle safety. Advocates are urging motorists to double-check for motorcycles before turning or merging, and to respect the rights of all drivers on the road, regardless of the size of their vehicle.
Funeral arrangements for Summer Poole are currently being made by her family, who have asked for privacy as they process their overwhelming grief. A public memorial is expected to be held later this week, with details to be announced on social media.
As the Aiken County community continues to grapple with the heartbreaking loss of a young woman taken far too soon, Summer Poole is remembered for the passion she brought to life, the kindness she extended to others, and the strength with which she lived every day. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched, both human and animal, and in the roar of every engine that carries her spirit forward.