The community of North Augusta is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 43-year-old Tanya Ortega, who died Wednesday morning after suffering critical injuries in a pedestrian crash last week. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office confirmed her passing, noting that Ortega succumbed to complications from the devastating trauma she endured in the collision. Her death has shaken local residents and sparked a renewed call for awareness on pedestrian safety.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, November 14th, around 6 p.m. along the 600 block of Old Edgefield Road. According to officials, the crash involved a single vehicle that struck two pedestrians—one of whom was using a wheelchair at the time. The alarming details of the incident immediately drew concern from authorities and the neighborhood, as Old Edgefield Road is a well-traveled route with limited visibility during evening hours.
Investigators with the Coroner’s Office reported that Tanya Ortega had been walking northbound in the travel portion of the roadway when the collision happened. With no sidewalk in the immediate area, Ortega and the second pedestrian were exposed to the dangers of passing vehicles. Emergency medical teams responded quickly, providing urgent aid before transporting both victims to a nearby hospital. Their injuries were described as severe, leaving doctors fighting to stabilize their conditions.
Despite continuous medical intervention, Ortega’s condition worsened. She was transferred to Wellstar MCG for specialized treatment, but tragically, she passed away at 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday. Her death has turned what began as a serious injury investigation into a fatal crash inquiry, prompting a deeper review of the circumstances that led to the collision. The condition of the second pedestrian has not yet been publicly released.
Authorities continue to examine key factors, including lighting conditions, driver visibility, roadway layout, and the exact positions of both pedestrians at the time of the crash. The official investigation will determine whether any charges or citations may be warranted as more information becomes available. For now, officials emphasize patience as they work to complete their findings and provide answers to Ortega’s grieving loved ones.
This tragic loss serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerability pedestrians face—especially on roads without sidewalks, crosswalks, or adequate lighting. As the North Augusta community mourns Tanya Ortega’s passing, many hope the incident sparks greater attention to roadway safety and the shared responsibility of drivers and pedestrians alike.
