From: Behind the Blue.com
Aiken County, SC – Aiken County Sheriff’s Deputy Kesli Padgett, age 25, was killed in a motorcycle crash on Wednesday night, June 21, according to the Aiken Standard. She was off-duty at the time.
Deputy Padgett was located about 9:20 PM by first responders in a wooded area at the intersection of Pine Log Road and Huber Clay Road. In a news release, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office said that she had been reported missing around 2 PM. Deputies and first responders started searching for her in the Warrenville area.
In the release, the ACSO said “The deputy was involved in what appears to be a single vehicle motorcycle accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Aiken County Coroner’s Office are working the accident.”
Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt asked “for the community to keep the family and the members of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”
Nearby homeowner Mel Minitor told WRDW, “It’s just such a tragic loss, and for so many lives lost right here where we are standing. For so many people to die in this spot,” Mintor said. “It’s a tragedy for what just happened. I mean a real shame because this lady was loved by the entire community,”
The Sheriff also thanked everyone for their assistance in locating Deputy Padgett.
Lance Corporal Sonny Collins with the South Carolina Highway Patrol told The Aiken Standard that Deputy Padgett was driving a 2009 Honda motorcycle south on Pine Log Road, when she lost control, left the right side of the roadway, and wrecked. He said that she was wearing a helmet.
Deputy Padgett was a two-year veteran of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Aiken County Sheriff’s Deputy Kesli Padgett, both blood and blue. Godspeed, ma’am, we will take the watch from here. Thank you for your service.
