Augusta, Ga. — A woman walking along Deans Bridge Road Saturday night was struck and killed by a vehicle, authorities confirmed. Richmond County officials have since identified her as 51-year-old Kimberly Drayton, a local woman without a permanent home.
Deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office were called around 8 p.m. to the busy stretch at the intersection of Deans Bridge Road and Parwood Road after reports of an accident involving a pedestrian. When first responders arrived, they found Drayton lying in the grass median of the road. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say preliminary evidence shows Drayton was hit by a southbound vehicle traveling along Deans Bridge Road, one of the city’s main thoroughfares. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with law enforcement. Officials are still working to piece together exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision.
Friends and neighbors in Augusta describe Drayton as a quiet presence in the community who often walked the area. Her death has left a lot of people shaken, especially since she was known to be without stable housing. The tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns for pedestrians along high-traffic corridors in Richmond County.
The coroner’s office has scheduled an autopsy to determine her official cause of death and whether any additional factors contributed to the fatal crash. Results are expected in the coming days.
Authorities have not released details about any charges related to the crash. Deputies continue their investigation and have asked anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has video footage to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Deans Bridge Road has seen several serious crashes in recent years, including fatal wrecks and high-speed collisions, prompting concern from both law enforcement and local residents about traffic safety along the busy route.
Traffic investigators urge drivers to stay alert, especially at night, and remind pedestrians to use caution when walking near major roadways. Work to improve safety and reduce injuries on Deans Bridge Road remains an ongoing focus for community planners and law enforcement alike.
