Colton Sanders, Jasmine Ambs die in crash on Jefferson Davis Highway

Kawasaki motorcycle collided with a Subaru turning into a church parking lot

April 05, 2026 | Aiken, SC

An Easter morning crash in Aiken County claimed the lives of two young individuals in a collision between a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle.

Colton Sanders, 21, and Jasmine Ambs, 17, died after a Subaru turned into their motorcycle on Jefferson Davis Highway in Aiken County.

What Happened in the Crash?

Authorities from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Aiken County Coroner's Office reported the incident occurred around 10:51 a.m. on April 5 in the 2000 block of Jefferson Davis Highway.

• Vehicles Involved: A 2026 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by 21-year-old Colton Sanders westbound, struck by a 2020 Subaru turning into a church parking lot.
• Victims: Sanders succumbed to injuries at the scene, and his 17-year-old passenger, Jasmine Ambs, was also pronounced dead.
• Other Injuries: The Subaru driver sustained unspecified injuries and was hospitalized.
• Conditions: The crash happened on a clear Easter morning, with an ongoing investigation into contributing factors.

The incident is under active review by officials to determine the exact causes.

Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Like This Occur?

Motorcycles offer limited protection, making riders and passengers especially susceptible to severe outcomes in collisions. Common issues include blind spots, driver inexperience, and distractions.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, over 6,300 motorcyclists died on U.S. roads in 2023, accounting for 15% of all fatal crashes. In South Carolina, 151 motorcyclists lost their lives that year.

These figures underscore the heightened risks for motorcyclists compared to other vehicles.

Legal Insights on Motorcycle Crashes

National legal analysts provide a perspective on handling such incidents.

"Motorcyclists and their passengers face significant vulnerabilities on the road, with factors like blind spots, inexperienced drivers, and distractions often leading to fatal outcomes," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.

• Accident reconstruction and manufacturing professionals may be essential to analyze crash dynamics.
• Thorough investigations are crucial, involving witness interviews, background checks, and insurance reviews.
• Families should act promptly to preserve evidence and pursue compensation.

"In cases such as this, ensuring a detailed review of evidence is vital for families seeking justice and monetary support," Bond added, serving as a national legal analyst for Newsline.

For wrongful death scenarios, families of victims like those in this crash may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

"The emotional toll after a loved one's death in a motorcycle accident can be immense," said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. "Protecting rights through ongoing investigation updates is essential."

Analysts emphasize that legal representation helps counter insurance companies, advocating vigorously for affected families.

Newsline's Commitment to Credibility

Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., stands as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous standards ensure accurate, timely reporting on incidents like this Aiken County crash. 

For transparency, we adhere to our Corrections Policy, offering a 24-hour review guarantee.

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

Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.