Aeryn Kira Sutherland killed in Tega Cay crash, police say

clock Created with Sketch Beta. October 21, 2026
Aeryn Kira Sutherland killed in Tega Cay crash, police say

TEGA CAY, SC , October 17, 2026 Aeryn Kira Sutherland, 31, of Charlotte, North Carolina, died following a collision involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle at West Highway 160 and Tillberg Way in Tega Cay, South Carolina, according to local authorities.

The early-morning crash also claimed the life of Gabriel Tucker Williams, 26, of Fort Mill, who was operating the motorcycle. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene, while Sutherland was transported to Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, where she later died from her injuries.

Authorities reported that the motorcycle was traveling north on Highway 160 when a vehicle heading in the opposite direction attempted to turn left onto Tillberg Way. The two vehicles collided during the maneuver.

Vernell Laurthel Hayes, 45, of Fort Mill, was arrested in connection with the crash and faces two counts of felony driving under the influence resulting in death, according to published reports. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Incident Location


FATAL DWI CRASH INVESTIGATION

The Tega Cay Police Department is investigating the fatal collision alongside the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Authorities are working to establish the sequence of events and determine the factors that contributed to the crash.

According to published reports, arrest documents allege that Hayes acknowledged consuming alcohol before the collision. The documents also reportedly indicate a blood alcohol concentration of 0.13, above South Carolina’s legal limit of 0.08 for most drivers. The charges remain allegations, and the case is subject to the legal process.

The York County Coroner’s Office has indicated that further medical findings, including toxicology results, were pending in the initial reporting. Investigators’ findings and any subsequent court proceedings may provide additional information about the circumstances of the collision.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

When a fatal collision results in the loss of life, eligible surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, depending on the evidence and applicable state law.

In cases such as this, an independent review of the available evidence may help clarify how the collision occurred and whether negligence contributed to the deaths. Relevant evidence can include police reports, witness accounts, vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and any available surveillance or reconstruction findings.

National legal analysts such as Candice Bond and Stefano Formica have discussed the importance of protecting families’ legal rights following serious traffic collisions in their published legal commentary. As a general matter, a qualified attorney can explain the claims process, identify potentially recoverable damages, and help eligible family members understand applicable deadlines.

Potential wrongful death damages may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship, where permitted by law. The availability and value of any claim depend on the specific facts, evidence, and governing law.


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

Leave a comment

Your email address & phone no will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Comments

No comments found.

Free Accident Report

If you or a family member were injured or have lost a loved one in an accident and would like the official Accident Report, Bond Legal can offer their assistance.

Bond Legal works with Accident Injury News to provide these news updates because we are passionate about helping victims and their families and hold those who are responsible accountable to make our communities safer. If you would like us to help you and your family, please contact us through one of the methods below.

Candice And Formica

Hello, I am Candice Bond*, and the law firm of Bond Legal works closely with victims and their families impacted by a variety of accidents and tragedies.

If you or a family member were injured or have lost a loved one in an accident or incident contact us now.

  • Costs Nothing To Speak To Us
  • Pay $0 Unless We Win For You+
  • We Are Honored To Help
  • We Are Available 24/7
Chat Live

We're available 24/7. Click to chat with a live representative now.

chat with us
Call Us

Bond Legal representatives are available 24/7.

866-986-7738

    Get a free case evaluation

    A Bond Legal representative can contact you directly. Please complete this form to get started.

    I hereby expressly consent to receive automated communications, including calls, texts, emails, and/or prerecorded messages from Bond Legal and any firm to whom Bond Legal refers the matter or co-counsel. By submitting this form, you agree to our Terms & acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please do not submit any confidential or sensitive information. Submission of the form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
    Personal Injury Lawyers

    Bond Legal is organized as an LLC in Illinois and as a Professional Corporation in California. Bond Legal, LLC lawyers are licensed in AL, AR, FL, GA, HI, MN, MO, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, SC, WV and WY. Bond Legal, PC lawyers are licensed in CA, CO, IA, IL, MI, MT, TN, TX, and WA. Legal services are limited to the foregoing states. *Candice Bond is licensed in CA, IA, IL, TN, TX & WA only and can be contacted at 17500 Red Hill Ave. #100 Irvine, CA 92614, 949-988-7100, [email protected]. *Stefano Formica is licensed in CA and NV only. "Pay $0 Unless We Win For You," means that clients have no responsibility to pay Bond Legal any fees or costs except upon a monetary recovery. Contingent fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Some cases may be co-counseled with other lawyers. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

    Latest News

    November 06, 2026 Gary Dewayne Mitchell killed in Polk County pedestrian accident Read post ›
    November 06, 2026 Joseph Lincoln Injured in Hardin County Multi-Vehicle Accident Read post ›
    November 06, 2026 Michael Kocic Arrested After North Tonawanda Crash Read post ›
    Loading...