On a peaceful Tuesday evening, longtime Aiken resident and friendly neighborhood fixture John Pallazo, age 90, was riding his electric three-wheeled bicycle eastward along University Parkway near Arbor Court when tragedy struck. It was approximately 4:58 p.m. when a 2022 Toyota Tundra, also heading east, collided with Pallazo’s trike, sending him from his ride and into the roadway. According to the Aiken County Coroner’s Office, he was rushed to hospital by Aiken County Emergency Medical Services but was pronounced dead at 5:34 p.m. despite life-saving efforts.
The investigation is being jointly handled by the Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the Aiken Department of Public Safety. A toxicology report has been ordered as part of standard procedure, though no charges have been filed and the driver’s identity remains undisclosed. Authorities say they are still working to determine factors such as speed, visibility and road conditions in the moments leading up to the crash.
Neighbors in the area have been left in shock. Many described Mr. Pallazo as someone always out and about — riding his trike, waving as he passed by, enjoying the outdoors and greeting folks in the neighborhood. One resident shared, “Mr. John was such a kind and gentle soul… It’s just heartbreaking to know he’s gone.”
In light of this incident, officials are reminding drivers — especially in places where cyclists and e-bike riders share the road — to remain alert, slow down and give ample space. With the use of electric bicycles increasing across South Carolina, awareness is more important than ever.
While Aiken wakes to the sad news of one of its own lost, the community is also faced with a somber reminder of how quickly an ordinary ride can turn tragic. Mr. Pallazo’s memory lingers in the friendly waves, the gentle hum of his trike and the quiet he no longer breaks as he rides by.
Investigators say they will release more details when the final reports are completed. Until then, those who knew John Pallazo are left holding the memory of a peaceful ride interrupted — and a community left asking how to make the road a little safer for those who still ride.
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