Carla D. Garvin, 46, Killed in Head-On Crash on Whiskey Road in Aiken County
Carla D. Garvin, 46, of Aiken, killed Friday in head-on Whiskey Road crash near Ping Way; Ford F-150 driver hospitalized with life-threatening injurie
A driver was killed and another was seriously injured Friday afternoon after a head-on collision on Whiskey Road in Aiken County, authorities said. The crash occurred around 4 p.m. near Ping Way and shut down a busy stretch of roadway for several hours as emergency crews worked to investigate the scene, treat the injured, and clear debris from travel lanes.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the driver of a 2024 Kia Sorento SUV was traveling north on Whiskey Road when the driver of a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup traveling south attempted to turn left into a private driveway. The maneuver placed the pickup directly into the path of the oncoming SUV, triggering a violent head-on impact that left both vehicles with catastrophic front-end damage and deployed airbags.
The SUV driver was identified by the Aiken County Coroner's Office as 46-year-old Carla D. Garvin of Aiken. Chief Deputy Coroner Eric Ramey said Garvin, the sole occupant of the Kia, was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision. Authorities confirmed that neither driver had passengers in their vehicles at the time of the crash, limiting the immediate scope of the tragedy.
The driver of the Ford F-150 suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported by emergency medical services to Wellstar MCG Health in Augusta for advanced trauma care. Officials have not released that driver's name and have not provided an updated medical condition as of Saturday morning, citing patient privacy and the ongoing Highway Patrol investigation into causation.
Whiskey Road, a major north-south corridor through Aiken County known for heavy commuter traffic, was closed in both directions near the crash site while troopers documented evidence, deputies directed traffic, and fire-rescue personnel worked to stabilize vehicles and remove hazards. The closure near Ping Way and Misty Oak Lane caused significant delays for afternoon commuters and prompted lengthy detours.
The Highway Patrol continues to investigate the exact circumstances leading to the crash, including speed, visibility, distraction, and whether the pickup driver's turn was executed safely and legally. South Carolina law requires drivers turning left across oncoming traffic to yield the right-of-way, and investigators will review physical evidence, witness statements, and any available vehicle data to determine fault.
Head-on collisions remain among the deadliest types of crashes on South Carolina roadways, particularly on busy corridors like Whiskey Road that feature a mix of residential driveways, commercial entrances, curves, and relatively high speeds. Authorities remind drivers to use extra caution, reduce speed when approaching driveways, maintain full attention, and ensure clear sight distances before turning across traffic, especially during peak periods.
Funeral arrangements for Carla D. Garvin have not yet been announced by her family, who are mourning a sudden and devastating loss. The coroner's office and Highway Patrol ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash camera footage from Whiskey Road around 4 p.m. Friday to contact investigators promptly as they work to complete a thorough report and provide answers to both families affected by this tragedy.