By Valerie Sliker
The Hollow Creek Fire Department and Chief Glenn Poole would like to thank all who came out to support this year’s “Sandlapper” motorcycle Enduro. This is the biggest fundraiser and the main source of revenue for the fire department and it was encouraging to see so many come out and support it.
“This race puts a lot of money to the fire department,” Chief Poole said. “It’s not ‘I,’ but ‘we’ get it done. It takes the community and the support of many people and we could not do this without them.” Funds raised help the fire department with the cost of Bunker gear, trucks and maintenance, training, insurance costs and more.
Sadly, one rider this year died during the race. According to the Aiken County Coroner’s Office, 56-year-old John T. Nutt of Albany, Georgia was identified as the motorcyclist and was pronounced dead at the scene. Coroner Darryl Ables said the preliminary findings for the cause of death is blunt force trauma, however an autopsy is pending.
Riders following Nutt said it did not appear to be a crash, possibly it was a medical issue. Around 9:45, Nutt “just kind of fell over,” according to other riders at the scene.
Chief Glenn Poole said he has no word on the autopsy.
This statement from Chief Poole, “The Hollow Creek Volunteer Fire Department would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of John Nutt. We are deeply saddened and continue to pray for everyone affected. We welcome everyone here as family, so this is truly a loss.”
This is the first death in the 30-year history of the Hollow Creek fire department's involvement with the 45-year Sandlapper Enduro.
The fire department is grateful for all volunteers and donations received during the fundraiser. A special thank you goes out to Senator Nikki Setzler, Representative Bill Taylor, and the following: Kathy Rawls, Gary Bunker, Mike Hunt, and Lori Collum. They'd like to thank the Chiefs of the New Holland, Salley, Sawyerdale and Savannah River Site fire departments for attending the Friday night dinner. Special thanks for helping with the weekend goes to the New Holland, Sawyerdale, and Salley fire departments, Aiken County EMS, Aiken County Sherriff’s department, all the landowners and the Columbia Enduro Riders Club. Also, a special thanks to all the volunteers who cooked and served, worked on the trails, donated food or volunteered or donated in any capacity.
