The community of North Augusta is grieving the loss of 43-year-old Tanya Ortega, who passed away Wednesday morning from injuries sustained in a pedestrian crash last week. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office confirmed Ortega’s death, noting that she succumbed to complications from the critical trauma she endured in the collision. Her passing has left the community in shock and reignited concerns about pedestrian safety on local roads.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, November 14, around 6 p.m. on Old Edgefield Road, a busy route with limited visibility during evening hours. According to officials, the crash involved a single vehicle that struck two pedestrians, including one who was in a wheelchair. Tanya Ortega, walking northbound in the travel portion of the roadway, was severely injured when the vehicle collided with her and another individual, who was also hospitalized with severe injuries.
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With no sidewalk in the area, both pedestrians were exposed to the dangers of passing traffic. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, providing urgent medical aid before transporting the victims to a nearby hospital. Despite extensive medical efforts, Ortega’s condition deteriorated. She was later transferred to Wellstar MCG for further treatment but tragically passed away at 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, focusing on factors such as road conditions, lighting, and driver visibility. The investigation will also determine if any charges or citations are warranted as more information becomes available. The condition of the second pedestrian involved in the crash has not been publicly disclosed.
This heartbreaking incident has raised serious concerns about pedestrian safety, especially in areas lacking sidewalks or proper lighting. As North Augusta mourns the loss of Tanya Ortega, there is a renewed call for improved road safety measures to protect pedestrians and prevent future tragedies.