Crash Timeline: What We Know So Far

At approximately 3:07 a.m., emergency dispatch received multiple calls about a pedestrian struck near the intersection of Deans Bridge Road and Glenn Hills Drive, not far from Suz Lounge, a popular late-night establishment on the south side of Augusta. Responders from Augusta Fire & EMS and deputies from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene within minutes.

Upon arrival, they found Wimberly lying unresponsive in the middle of the roadway. CPR and other life-saving measures were immediately attempted, but paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. His injuries were reported to be extensive, including massive head trauma and multiple fractures.

Driver Fled the Scene, Located Hours Later

Initial witness statements and surveillance footage from surrounding businesses indicated that the vehicle involved had fled the scene immediately after impact. A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert was issued, and within a few hours, law enforcement had identified and located both the driver and the vehicle involved.

The vehicle, a dark-colored sedan, was discovered abandoned a few blocks from the crash site. Shortly thereafter, a suspect was detained for questioning. Authorities have not released the name of the driver pending formal charges, but they confirmed that alcohol and speed may have played a role in the collision.

“We are treating this as a hit-and-run investigation involving a fatality,” said Lt. Marcus Reeves of the Richmond County Traffic Division. “We’ve located the vehicle and the individual we believe to be responsible. At this stage, no charges have been filed, but they are forthcoming.”

Community Reaction: Grief, Frustration, and Calls for Action

As news of Wimberly’s tragic death spread throughout the city, community members, activists, and local leaders voiced both sorrow and outrage. Several residents gathered Sunday afternoon at the scene of the incident, leaving candles, flowers, and handwritten notes along the sidewalk near Suz Lounge, which some have described as a notorious hotspot for late-night altercations and vehicular recklessness.

“How many more people have to die on Deans Bridge Road before something is done?” asked Angela Harmon, a community organizer who’s been pushing for pedestrian safety upgrades along the busy corridor. “This isn’t just a fluke. We’ve been warning city officials for years.”

In fact, Deans Bridge Road has long been considered one of Augusta’s most dangerous stretches for pedestrians, particularly at night. The area features limited crosswalks, poor lighting, and high-speed traffic, all of which contribute to an environment that frequently endangers walkers, cyclists, and late-night commuters.

Data from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) indicates that between 2020 and 2024, over 40 pedestrian accidents have occurred along Deans Bridge Road, with at least 12 resulting in fatalities.

Law Enforcement and Legal Proceedings

As of Monday morning, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a full investigation is underway, including the analysis of:

• Surveillance footage from Suz Lounge and nearby gas stations,
• Witness testimony from patrons and bystanders,
• Forensic examination of the vehicle involved,
• Toxicology reports for the driver.

Charges under consideration include:

• Vehicular homicide (first degree),
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving death,
• Driving under the influence (pending toxicology),
• Reckless driving.

The District Attorney’s Office has stated that once the investigation is complete, it will pursue the maximum applicable charges in accordance with Georgia law.

Family Statement and Funeral Arrangements

The Wimberly family has issued a brief statement through their attorney:

“Our hearts are broken. Xavion was loved deeply by his family and friends, and we are devastated by his sudden and senseless passing. We ask for privacy as we grieve, and we thank the community for their support during this impossible time.”

Funeral arrangements are currently being finalized and are expected to take place later in the week at Williams Funeral Home, with a candlelight vigil planned by friends at the crash site on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m.

The Bigger Picture: Pedestrian Fatalities in Georgia on the Rise

Xavion Wimberly’s death is the latest in what transportation safety advocates are calling a statewide crisis. Georgia has seen a 13% rise in pedestrian fatalities over the last two years, according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Augusta ranks among the top five cities in the state for fatal pedestrian crashes.

Experts point to several systemic issues:

• Lack of well-lit and protected crosswalks,
• Minimal enforcement of speed limits in pedestrian zones,
• Insufficient public transportation options, forcing more people to walk along high-speed roads.

Some are calling on City Commissioners and the Georgia Department of Transportation to take swift action, including installing pedestrian overpasses, increasing nighttime patrols, and redesigning traffic patterns on Deans Bridge Road.

How the Community Can Help

Authorities continue to ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on May 25 to come forward. Even seemingly minor details can assist in building a strong case.

Those with information can contact:

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office
Non-Emergency Line: (706) 821-1080
Anonymous Tips: (706) 828-3784

Final Thoughts: A Life Lost Too Soon

As the investigation into the tragic death of Xavion Wimberly unfolds, one thing remains abundantly clear: a vibrant, promising life was extinguished due to recklessness, negligence, and a failure to protect pedestrians on a roadway known for its dangers.

In the words of a mourner who left a handwritten message near the crash site:

“You deserved better, Xavion. We won’t let your memory fade.”

His legacy, though cut short, now becomes a rallying cry for justice, change, and awareness, not only for his grieving loved ones but for the entire Augusta community.

To support the Wimberly family during this difficult time, donations are being collected via an official GoFundMe page. All proceeds will go toward funeral expenses and a scholarship fund in Xavion’s name.

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