Elderly Aiken Man Dies After Crashing Golf Cart Into Ditch
AIKEN, S.C. – A tragic accident in Aiken County has claimed the life of an 86-year-old man after the golf cart he was operating left the roadway and crashed into a ditch in the early morning hours of Saturday.
According to Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables, the victim, Ronald New, was driving a white EZ-GO golf cart westbound on Powell Pond Road, near Scotch Lane, when the fatal incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. Authorities say the golf cart veered off the roadway for unknown reasons and landed in a ditch. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly afterward.
New was pronounced deceased at 1:10 a.m., just 40 minutes after the crash, from blunt force injuries sustained in the collision. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Investigation Underway
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are jointly investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. As of Sunday, it is still unclear what caused the golf cart to leave the road—whether mechanical failure, a medical episode, or driver error may have played a role.
Toxicology testing will be conducted as part of standard procedure, though no early evidence suggests alcohol or drug use. The coroner’s office confirmed that New was not wearing any form of safety restraint, and it remains uncertain if the golf cart was equipped with seat belts or lights suitable for nighttime driving.
A Quiet Road, A Tragic Outcome
Powell Pond Road is a quiet, rural stretch in Aiken County, with limited lighting and little traffic during the early morning hours. The area near Scotch Lane is lined with shallow ditches and narrow shoulders, making it potentially hazardous for small or low-profile vehicles like golf carts—especially at night.
Residents in the area expressed shock and sadness upon learning of the accident, noting that while golf carts are not an unusual sight on local roads, it’s rare to see them traveling in the area at that time of night.
“This is a heartbreaking accident,” said one neighbor. “Ronald was well-known around here, and no one expects something like this to happen. It’s just tragic.”
Who Was Ronald New?
Ronald New was a longtime resident of Aiken County and known in his community as a kind, soft-spoken man. Friends described him as someone who enjoyed the outdoors, took pride in maintaining his property, and frequently used his golf cart to get around his neighborhood or visit nearby friends and family.
Though his reasons for being out at that hour are still unknown, those who knew him say he was active and independent, even in his later years.
“He was always on the move,” said a family friend. “It’s so sad that something so routine turned fatal.”
Golf Cart Safety in Question
This tragic incident has once again brought attention to the risks associated with golf cart use on public roads, particularly in areas without proper street lighting or designated lanes. While legal in many communities, operating a golf cart on the roadway—especially at night—can pose significant dangers.
In South Carolina, golf carts may be driven on secondary roads during daylight hours with proper permits and registration, but operating them after dark is typically discouraged unless equipped with headlights, taillights, and other safety features.
Authorities are using the opportunity to urge caution for those who rely on golf carts for transportation, especially elderly drivers.
“We want to remind everyone that while golf carts may feel safe and familiar, they are still motorized vehicles and can be very dangerous when used improperly or in unsafe conditions,” said a spokesperson for the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Next Steps
The investigation into Ronald New’s death remains ongoing. Authorities plan to review any nearby surveillance footage, vehicle data (if available), and autopsy results to piece together what led to the crash.
No foul play is suspected at this time.
New’s body will undergo a full autopsy as part of the coroner’s investigation, and a report will be shared with family members once completed.
Community Mourning
The Aiken community has responded with sorrow and sympathy following the news of Ronald New’s passing. Friends, neighbors, and local officials alike have extended condolences to the New family, remembering Ronald as a kind soul who will be deeply missed.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
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