19-Year-Old Utility Worker Killed in Hit-and-Run on Rutland Dr and Northland Blvd in Aiken, SC

Aiken, SC (June 27, 2026) – A 19-year-old contract utility worker was killed after a vehicle struck two workers in a work zone and fled the scene in Aiken. The crash occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m. on Friday, June 26, near Rutland Drive and Northland Boulevard.

Billy H. Norris, of Chesnee, was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt-force trauma. A second worker was transported to Wellstar MCG Health as a trauma alert.

Charles Blase Engasser of Aiken later turned himself in at Aiken Public Safety and was booked into the Aiken County Detention Center on a charge of hit-and-run resulting in a fatality, according to information released by the authorities.

We extend our deepest condolences to Billy Norris's family and all those who loved him.

Can a Family Sue After a Hit-and-Run in a Work Zone in Aiken, SC?

Yes, a family can pursue a civil wrongful death claim after a fatal hit-and-run crash in a work zone, and that process can move forward independently of any criminal charges the driver may face.

When a loved one is killed in South Carolina as a result of another person's careless or reckless behavior, eligible surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Because work zones frequently have additional legal protections intended to keep workers safe from passing traffic, a driver who strikes workers in a designated work zone and then leaves the scene may be subject to increased scrutiny under South Carolina law.

The financial losses that a family may be able to pursue can include funeral and burial costs, the loss of his future income and earning capacity, and the lasting loss of his companionship and support. An attorney may be able to help the family gather evidence regarding the work zone conditions at the time of the crash, navigate the relationship between the criminal case and a civil wrongful death claim, and ensure that any resolution reached reflects the full and devastating impact of their loss.

If your family has lost someone in a crash in Aiken or anywhere in South Carolina, The Arndt Law Firm is ready to assist you. Our legal team can review your case and explain your rights and options.

Our wrongful death lawyer can explain how fatal accident claims may work under state law. Our legal team can also review available insurance policies, explain filing deadlines, and clarify what types of compensation may be available.

You can speak with The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 310-4645 today to discuss your situation and learn more about available options. 

Note: This post has been prepared using information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the incident have not been independently verified. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact The Arndt Law Firm so we can promptly review and update the content to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Any photographs included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual scene of the accident.