Ronald New Obituary, Death – Just after midnight on Saturday, authorities in Aiken County responded to a fatal golf cart accident that claimed the life of a local man. According to the Aiken County Coroner’s Office, the incident occurred at the intersection of Powell Pond Road and Scotch Lane. Emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the crash, which involved a single golf cart.
Investigators said the vehicle involved was an EZ-GO golf cart being driven west along Powell Pond Road. At some point during the drive, the golf cart veered off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle then traveled into a ditch, causing the driver to be ejected from the cart upon impact.
The driver was identified as 86-year-old Ronald New, a resident of Aiken. Coroner Darryl Ables confirmed that New suffered fatal blunt force injuries as a result of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:10 a.m.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol has joined the Aiken County Coroner’s Office in the ongoing investigation. Officials have not yet determined what caused the golf cart to leave the road. Factors such as driver error, road conditions, or mechanical failure are likely being reviewed as part of the inquiry.
As part of standard procedure in fatal accidents, a toxicology analysis is being conducted to determine if impairment played any role in the incident. The results of that analysis have not yet been released.
Golf cart accidents, while less common than standard motor vehicle collisions, can still result in serious or fatal injuries, particularly when passengers are ejected. Without the protection offered by enclosed vehicles and seatbelts, occupants are more vulnerable in the event of a crash. In rural areas such as Aiken County, golf carts are often used for short trips, recreational purposes, or transportation around private properties, but they are still subject to safety risks when operated on or near public roads.
The fatal crash has underscored the importance of safe operation of such vehicles, particularly for elderly drivers. Authorities have not stated whether speed, visibility, or road hazards may have contributed to the accident.
Officials said that more information will be released as the investigation progresses. For now, the Aiken community is mourning the loss of Ronald New, remembered as a long-time resident whose sudden passing has brought shock to those who knew him.
The coroner’s office will provide updates once the toxicology results are complete and the investigation determines the circumstances leading to the crash. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is also expected to release further details if any contributing factors are confirmed.
While no other injuries were reported in the incident, the tragedy serves as a reminder that even seemingly low-speed vehicles like golf carts require careful handling and attention to safety to prevent such deadly outcomes.
