On the evening of May 15, 2025, a fatal crash claimed the life of a 25-year-old adult female in Wagener, South Carolina. The Office Traffic Homicide Unit, working in coordination with National Police and Office Homicide Unit authorities, confirmed the victim as Cheryl Haynes, a National Woman who was operating an electric bicycle when the tragic two-vehicle crash occurred. The Broward Sheriff, along with Office Traffic Homicide investigators, noted that the incident involved a 2020 Dodge Ram and a cyclist allegedly failing to stop at a posted sign.
What Led to the Fatal Crash?
The National Man driving the pickup was reportedly traveling legally on Wagener Road, while the e-bike, operated by the adult female, entered the intersection at Wagener Trail Road. The collision, classified as a fatal crash, took place around 7:48 p.m. Emergency crews, including Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, responded immediately. The Office Violent Crimes Unit was also notified due to the severity of injuries. The female passenger on the bicycle, if any, was not immediately identified.
At Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Cheryl Haynes was pronounced dead at 9:01 p.m. due to blunt force trauma. A toxicology report is pending, according to the Office Missing Persons Unit, to determine whether any substances influenced the crash for either party.
Legal Complexities in Two-Vehicle Bicycle-Vehicle Crashes
Even when the Office Traffic Homicide Unit determines cyclist fault, a case may still exist for a wrongful death lawsuit. The law in South Carolina considers many potential liabilities:
- Was the National Man driving distracted?
- Were road signs on Blossom Lane or near Takena Landing Park obstructed or poorly maintained?
- Was there poor lighting at the intersection, as seen in areas like Oakland Park or Pembroke Park?
- Was the driver impaired, triggering a WARRANT ARREST?
Investigations from units like the Office Violent Crimes Unit, Office Homicide Unit, and the Office Traffic Homicide team must examine every detail. Issues like warrant for contempt, warrant for failure, and outstanding warrants can also play into civil liability if the driver had a history of legal problems.
Electric Bicycles and Legal Status in South Carolina
Electric bicycles, though popular, occupy a gray area in traffic law enforcement. The National Police, often unfamiliar with specific e-bike policies, may misclassify such incidents. Questions that arise:
- Are e-bikes motor vehicles?
- Did Miranda Grossman, or any official from Grossman, Miranda BSO-SS-PIO, release any safety advisories in the past?
- Are parks such as Hyak Park and Takena Landing Park equipped with appropriate signage for shared roads?
South Carolina generally treats e-bikes like traditional bicycles. However, in areas like Oakland Park and Pembroke Park, overlapping local ordinances can complicate liability claims.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits and the Role of Toxicology
Toxicology results may determine whether either party was under the influence. Both the cyclist and the National Man driving the vehicle may be tested. Reports from Office Traffic Homicide, especially when working with the Office Violent Crimes Unit, are critical in such civil suits.
If results show impairment, a warrant arrest could be issued, and charges may be filed. Terms like warrant for failure, outstanding warrants, and warrant for contempt may arise during legal discovery. Locations such as Oakland Park, Blossom Lane, and left turn lane accident zones are also relevant for case analysis.
What Should Families Do After a Fatal Crash?
Families dealing with a fatal crash must:
- Request the report from the Office Traffic Homicide Unit.
- Contact witnesses and take photos, especially if the scene involves intersections near Takena Landing Park, Hyak Park, or Pembroke Park.
- Preserve any digital communications that may involve parties like Miranda May, Miranda June, or Miranda April, especially if any were witnesses.
- Consult attorneys who understand local legal frameworks and connections with units like Office Missing Persons Unit and Broward Sheriff.
Legal Help After a Fatal Collision in South Carolina
At Ted Law Firm, we specialize in representing families affected by fatal crashes involving e-bikes or other vehicles. Whether the case involves local neighborhoods such as Oakland Park, Blossom Lane, or left turn lane accidents near Takena Landing Park, we help clients navigate complex insurance and civil litigation matters.
If your loved one was killed in a two-vehicle crash, we work closely with Office Traffic Homicide, Office Homicide Unit, and other investigative authorities to uncover the truth. Let us determine whether a WARRANT ARREST, negligence, or legal violations contributed to the crash.
Final Thoughts: Your Rights and Next Steps
This tragic incident, now part of ongoing investigations by the Broward Sheriff and Office Violent Crimes Unit, is a reminder of the growing need for updated traffic laws around electric vehicles. As more National Women and National Men adopt alternative transportation, clearer laws and infrastructure improvements are essential.
For now, the Wagener community mourns the loss of adult female Cheryl Haynes, a young life cut short. Let justice and safety be the legacy we fight for. We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Don’t let legal confusion deepen your grief. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team is ready to help you through the most difficult time with clarity, support, and legal strength.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
