Aiken County, South Carolina – On the evening of Thursday, May 13, 2025, the quiet of Wagener Trail Road was shattered by a tragic accident that claimed the life of 25-year-old Cheryl Hanes, a resident of Aiken County. The fatal collision occurred just after 7:45 p.m. at the intersection of Wagener Trail Road and Wagener Road, leaving the community reeling from the sudden and senseless loss of a young woman with a promising future.

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Hanes, who was riding an electric bike at the time of the crash, failed to stop at a stop sign before entering the intersection. This lack of adherence to traffic signals appears to have been a key factor in the incident, though investigators are still piecing together the circumstances that led to the tragic event. What is known is that as Hanes entered the intersection, she was struck by a Dodge Ram truck traveling along Wagener Road. The impact of the crash was severe, and Hanes sustained critical blunt force injuries.

The Moments Leading to the Crash

The collision occurred on a Thursday evening when the roadways were moderately trafficked. The sun had already set, and the conditions were dim, though still within the range of normal visibility for drivers and cyclists. Hanes, riding an electric bike, was headed in the direction of the intersection. According to preliminary investigations, she did not stop at the designated stop sign before entering the road. Tragically, her failure to yield led to her bike being struck by a Dodge Ram truck traveling along Wagener Road.

The driver of the truck, who has not been publicly identified by the authorities, did not immediately stop after the impact. Instead, the truck continued traveling for a short distance before pulling over to the side of the road. Emergency medical services arrived on the scene within minutes of receiving the distress call, and Hanes was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent care.

Despite the swift response from first responders and medical personnel, Hanes could not be saved. She succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at 9:01 p.m. by medical staff. Her untimely death has left her friends, family, and the greater Aiken County community devastated.

Investigation Underway: What We Know So Far

In the wake of the crash, both the Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the Wagener Police Department have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. Coroner Darryl Ables is leading the investigation on behalf of his office, working closely with Wagener Police to gather information and piece together the exact sequence of events that led to Hanes’s death.

As of now, investigators are focusing on several key aspects of the case. One of the primary areas of inquiry is the speed at which both the truck and Hanes’s electric bike were traveling at the time of the collision. While it is known that the bike did not stop at the stop sign, investigators are working to determine whether the truck was traveling at an excessive speed, whether road conditions or traffic signals were a contributing factor, or if other elements played a role in the incident.

Authorities are also reviewing the visibility conditions at the time of the crash to determine whether low light or other environmental factors played a role in making the intersection more hazardous. Witnesses to the crash are being sought in an effort to gather more information, and anyone with footage or details about the incident is being urged to come forward to assist in the investigation.

While no official charges have been filed against the driver of the truck, authorities have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing. As is common in cases involving fatalities, the police will carefully evaluate all available evidence to determine whether any further action should be taken.

The Impact on Cheryl Hanes’s Family and Friends

Cheryl Hanes’s death has left a profound impact on her family, friends, and the wider Aiken County community. Those who knew her describe her as a vibrant, compassionate, and hardworking young woman who had her whole life ahead of her. Hanes was known for her outgoing personality, her love of outdoor activities, and her devotion to her family.

Friends and family members who were close to Hanes have been quick to express their sorrow and grief over her sudden passing. In social media tributes, many have shared memories of Hanes’s kindness, her laughter, and her adventurous spirit. Her death has left an emptiness in the lives of those who knew her best, as they come to terms with the loss of someone who brought joy to their lives.

Her family is particularly devastated by the loss of such a young and promising life. As they prepare to lay her to rest, they are left with a profound sense of grief, compounded by the tragic nature of her death. Hanes’s family is asking for privacy during this difficult time, but they are also calling for greater awareness about the risks that cyclists face on the roads, urging all road users to exercise caution and respect for others.

The Dangers Faced by Cyclists on Roadways

Cheryl Hanes’s death has brought attention to the broader issue of cyclist safety on roadways. While the exact circumstances of the crash remain under investigation, it is clear that this tragedy highlights the dangers that cyclists face when sharing the road with larger vehicles. In recent years, the number of cycling-related fatalities has increased, and experts are calling for greater measures to protect cyclists from collisions with motor vehicles.

Many communities, including Aiken County, have taken steps to improve infrastructure and increase cyclist safety, but more needs to be done. Cyclists often find themselves at the mercy of drivers who may not always be aware of their presence or who fail to share the road in a safe manner. The addition of electric bikes to the cycling landscape has made this issue even more pressing, as these vehicles can travel at higher speeds than traditional bicycles, further increasing the risk of serious accidents.

Advocates for cycling safety are calling for stronger traffic laws, including stricter penalties for drivers who fail to yield to cyclists, and more comprehensive education programs for both drivers and cyclists on safe road-sharing practices. Some have also recommended that more cities invest in dedicated bike lanes and more visible traffic signage to help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

A Community United in Grief and Support

In the days following Cheryl Hanes’s death, the Aiken County community has come together to mourn and honor her memory. A memorial service has been planned in her honor, where friends and family will gather to pay their respects and remember the young woman whose life was tragically cut short. It is expected that members of the local community, including those who did not know Hanes personally but are deeply affected by the loss, will attend the service.

As a part of the healing process, local residents are also calling for more awareness surrounding cyclist safety and are working to implement initiatives aimed at reducing the risks of road accidents. In memory of Hanes, a local cycling group has announced plans to host a fundraising event to raise money for cyclist safety programs in the area.

This tragedy has united the community in grief, but it has also sparked a call to action. Residents of Aiken County are determined to ensure that Hanes’s death will not be in vain and that steps will be taken to improve road safety for cyclists and prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

Conclusion: A Tragic Loss, But a Call for Change

Cheryl Hanes’s untimely death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of road safety, not just for motorists, but also for cyclists who share the road. As investigations continue into the circumstances of the crash, the community of Aiken County is left mourning the loss of a young woman whose potential was tragically cut short.

In the coming days and weeks, officials will continue their investigation to provide answers to the questions surrounding the crash. In the meantime, friends, family, and community members will hold on to the memories of Cheryl Hanes and work toward a future where road safety is a priority for everyone, and no one has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to preventable violence on the streets.

As this tragedy unfolds, the memory of Cheryl Hanes will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and in the collective efforts of the community to ensure that the streets of Aiken County become safer for all those who walk and ride along them.