Axel K. Ulteig, a 15-year-old from Aiken, South Carolina, lost his life on Saturday evening after a violent crash involving a side-by-side utility vehicle and a sedan.
The crash happened at about 5:40 p.m. at the intersection of South Hankinson Street and Atomic Road in Aiken County.
According to state officials, Axel was riding as a passenger in a 2026 Polaris side-by-side UTV moving east on South Hankinson Street.
As the vehicle entered the intersection with Atomic Road, it collided with a southbound 2020 Nissan Sentra.
The impact was severe, and emergency crews arrived quickly after the crash was reported.
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office confirmed Axel died at the scene from his injuries.
Two other people inside the UTV were also hurt and taken to a nearby hospital, though their conditions and identities were not released.
The driver of the Nissan Sentra was not injured, and no other injuries were reported.
Authorities said it is still unclear whether anyone involved was wearing seatbelts or safety restraints at the time of the crash.
Investigators from the South Carolina Highway Patrol continue to review how the collision happened, including vehicle movement and speed at the intersection.
The intersection sits along a busy stretch that connects residential and industrial areas, and officials note it has seen crashes in the past due to cross traffic patterns.
