Jacob Langley Obituary, Death – Authorities in Aiken County are investigating a two-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a 21-year-old man on Saturday afternoon. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Aiken County Coroner’s Office are jointly handling the investigation as they work to determine what led to the tragic event.
The collision occurred at approximately 1:03 p.m. on Wagener Road near the intersection of Flowing Wells Road, according to officials. Early findings suggest that a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling east on Wagener Road when it collided with a 1991 GMC Sonoma that was attempting to turn left onto Flowing Wells Road.
The impact caused both vehicles to veer off the roadway and come to rest in a nearby pond. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, including crews from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire and rescue teams.
Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables identified the person who lost his life as 21-year-old Jacob Langley. Authorities confirmed that he passed away at the scene around 1:40 p.m. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. An autopsy has been scheduled to take place next week in Newberry as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials said the driver and passenger of the Chevrolet Silverado sustained minor injuries and were evaluated at the scene but did not require extensive medical treatment. Both were cooperative with law enforcement as investigators gathered details about the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
The scene was closed to traffic for several hours as authorities worked to recover the vehicles from the pond and document evidence. Specialized towing crews assisted in removing the vehicles while environmental officials monitored the area to prevent contamination from fuel or oil leaks.
Investigators are still determining the factors that contributed to the crash, including possible visibility issues, driver speed, and the layout of the intersection. The South Carolina Highway Patrol will also review physical evidence such as skid marks, vehicle positions, and debris to reconstruct what happened.
Local residents said that stretch of Wagener Road can be challenging, with limited sight lines at certain turns. Several community members expressed concern and urged for continued caution when navigating the area, especially where roads intersect at sharp angles.
The coroner’s office extended condolences to Langley’s family and friends, describing the loss as a heartbreaking event for the local community. Friends have shared that Langley was a kind young man known for his upbeat personality and close ties to family.
Authorities have reminded drivers to slow down when approaching intersections and to use extra care when turning or crossing traffic, particularly on rural roads where vehicles may approach at higher speeds. They also advised that weather and lighting conditions can change quickly in the region, sometimes affecting visibility even during daylight hours.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol emphasized that the investigation remains active. Once all evidence is reviewed—including the findings from the upcoming autopsy—a complete report will be forwarded to the Aiken County Coroner’s Office for final review.
Officials said no charges or citations have been issued at this time, pending the outcome of the investigation. Updates will be released once more information becomes available.
This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of attentiveness on the road and the need for extra caution at intersections, especially in areas with complex traffic patterns or limited visibility.
The community continues to offer support to the Langley family as they grieve and await answers from investigators. Authorities hope that the results of the inquiry will provide both clarity and reassurance to everyone affected by this devastating incident.
