On April 25, 2025, the North Charleston community was left in shock and grief after the tragic loss of 49-year-old Kimberly Elkins, a beloved resident known for her vibrant spirit, love for the outdoors, and dedication to cycling. Kimberly’s life was tragically cut short in a fatal accident while cycling on Rivers Avenue near Eagle Drive. According to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office, Kimberly succumbed to blunt force injuries at the scene, following a crash that occurred around 2:20 p.m. Her sudden death has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew her and has sparked a renewed focus on road safety for cyclists and pedestrians in the community.
Kimberly was well-known for her passion for cycling, and she was an active and enthusiastic member of the local cycling community. She spent much of her free time exploring the streets of North Charleston, embracing the freedom, adventure, and connection to nature that cycling provided. Whether she was riding for fitness, relaxation, or simply to enjoy the scenery, Kimberly made cycling an integral part of her life. Her enthusiasm for the sport was contagious, and she often encouraged others to engage in outdoor activities, fostering a sense of community among fellow enthusiasts. Her encouragement inspired many to experience the joys of cycling and to enjoy the health benefits of being active outdoors.
Beyond her passion for cycling, Kimberly was known for her unwavering kindness and generosity. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, whether it was volunteering at local shelters or participating in community clean-up events. Kimberly’s positive energy and selflessness were qualities that endeared her to everyone who crossed her path. She was the first to show up for a friend in need, always willing to provide emotional support or practical assistance. Her deep compassion for others left an indelible mark on her friends, family, and the broader community, and she was admired for the way she lived her life with a focus on giving back.
As an active participant in North Charleston’s community, Kimberly was a familiar face at local events and activities. She believed in the importance of community engagement and worked tirelessly to help make North Charleston a better place. Whether through organizing neighborhood gatherings, volunteering for causes she believed in, or simply being there for others, Kimberly made a meaningful impact on the lives of those around her. She was a true embodiment of the spirit of community, always looking for ways to connect people and create positive change.
Kimberly’s untimely passing has left her family, friends, and the North Charleston community devastated. The news of her death sent shockwaves throughout the area, and her loss has been felt deeply by all who knew her. Kimberly was not just a neighbor, colleague, or fellow cyclist—she was a friend, a source of support, and a shining example of kindness and generosity. Those who had the privilege of knowing her are now left to navigate the heart-wrenching reality that she is no longer with them.
In the wake of Kimberly’s death, the community has rallied together to honor her memory and to advocate for greater road safety, particularly for cyclists. Local cycling groups, inspired by Kimberly’s passion for the sport and her commitment to making cycling accessible to others, have organized memorial rides along Rivers Avenue. These rides serve not only as a tribute to Kimberly but also as a call to action, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of ensuring that streets are safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users.
The memorial rides have become a powerful symbol of the community’s collective grief and resolve to make North Charleston a safer place for all. The event has brought together people from all walks of life—cyclists, pedestrians, residents, and local officials—all united in the shared goal of promoting road safety and preventing further tragedies. Kimberly’s death has ignited a sense of urgency to address the safety of cyclists on busy streets, and many in the community are calling for immediate changes to help protect cyclists and pedestrians from the dangers they face on the road.
In the aftermath of Kimberly’s tragic accident, residents and activists are calling for enhanced safety measures on local roads. One of the primary requests is the implementation of dedicated bike lanes, which would provide cyclists with a safer space to ride and help reduce the risk of collisions with vehicles. Improved signage and traffic controls are also being advocated to increase awareness of cyclists and to remind drivers to share the road responsibly. Public awareness campaigns are another critical component of these efforts, designed to educate both drivers and cyclists on how to navigate roads safely and to encourage respectful behavior on the streets.
Kimberly’s tragic death has brought to light the importance of not only enforcing traffic laws but also fostering a culture of awareness and respect between all road users. The increased presence of cyclists on the streets of North Charleston is a positive development, but it also means that changes need to be made to ensure everyone’s safety. The community’s call for dedicated bike lanes and other safety measures is a reflection of the growing awareness of the need to create a more cyclist-friendly environment in the city.
As the investigation into Kimberly’s accident continues, there is hope that her death will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. The community’s grief has been compounded by a sense of frustration, as many believe that the safety of cyclists and pedestrians is often overlooked in urban planning and road design. While the specifics of the accident are still under investigation, the tragic loss of Kimberly has heightened the focus on how roads are designed, how traffic is managed, and how cyclists and pedestrians are prioritized in these plans. Kimberly’s death has made it clear that more must be done to ensure the safety of all road users, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
In the midst of this grief, the memory of Kimberly Elkins will live on through the efforts of those who loved her and through the ongoing advocacy for safer streets. The community has shown incredible strength and solidarity as they come together to honor her life and legacy. Kimberly’s commitment to her family, her community, and her passion for cycling have left an enduring impact, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Kimberly’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of taking action to protect those who are most vulnerable. Her life was tragically cut short, but the love she shared and the contributions she made to her community will never be forgotten. As the community continues to mourn, there is a renewed sense of purpose to ensure that her legacy is honored and that the streets of North Charleston become safer for everyone.
In this difficult time, the Ordone family and the entire community remain focused on cherishing Kimberly’s memory and advocating for the changes that would help protect future generations. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those who were touched by her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. Kimberly will never be forgotten, and her spirit will continue to live on through the work of those who are committed to creating a safer, more inclusive community.
