Family, friends, and community members in Jackson, Wyoming, are mourning the tragic death of Austin William Zabilowicz, a 31-year-old man who passed away after suffering catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident last month in South Carolina. Zabilowicz died Friday afternoon at the Joseph M. Still Burn Unit at Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, where he had been fighting for his life for more than a month.
According to Aiken County Chief Deputy Coroner Eric Ramey, the accident occurred in the early hours of May 16, around 3:30 a.m., on Whiskey Road near Chukker Creek Road. Zabilowicz was riding a 2002 Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he collided with the rear of a 2016 Hyundai sedan. The impact ignited a fire, trapping Zabilowicz beneath the burning motorcycle. He sustained third-degree burns over 90 percent of his body.
Emergency crews responded swiftly, and Zabilowicz was transported to the regional burn center in Augusta, where he was placed on life support and began a grueling journey of intensive care. In the aftermath of the crash, Zabilowicz’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses. His brother, Josh Schack, shared regular updates with supporters, reflecting both the severity of the injuries and the family’s enduring faith and hope.
“On May 16th, my family’s life changed forever… By the grace of God, Austin survived the accident,” Schack wrote in the days following the crash. “Each day his body gains strength and his outlook for survival becomes more promising.”
Despite some initial signs of recovery, Austin’s condition remained critical. After enduring numerous surgeries and weeks in intensive care, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on June 21.
Known affectionately by loved ones as “Ace,” Zabilowicz was remembered as a man full of life, faith, and resilience. Tributes flooded social media over the weekend, with friends recalling his warmth, humor, and unwavering spirit. In Jackson and beyond, those who knew Austin are grieving not only the loss of a loved one but the passing of a soul who inspired many through his strength and courage.
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the Aiken Department of Public Safety Traffic Reconstruction Team are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about the driver of the Hyundai or any potential contributing factors.
As the investigation continues, Austin Zabilowicz’s family remains surrounded by a community of supporters, praying and grieving together. His life, though tragically cut short, left an enduring impact—and his memory is being honored with love, faith, and deep gratitude for the time they had with him.