Two die in Sunday crash
By Becky Long
Publisher
The Towns County Coroner’s Office confirmed via a Facebook post on Tuesday that two people died as a result of Sunday’s vehicle accident on Highway 75 on Amethyst Lane and Bell Street in Hiawassee.
Coroner Tamela Cooper reported that Rachel Long, 37, of Andrews died at the scene. Jimmy Reger, 23 of Jasper, Ga. died Tuesday, March 12.
“Our hearts are with both of the families as they navigate this tragic event,” was posted on the coroner’s page.
In addition, the Hiawassee Police Department reported via post that they traveled to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital to visit with Long’s child who was involved in the wreck and on March 12, he left the hospital.
“This child’s life was undoubtedly saved by being properly restrained in a child safety seat,” according to the post. “The family related that the prayers were felt and appreciated. Please keep this family and all families involved in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with their losses.”
No details were provided as to who was driving which vehicle, but the Hiawassee Police reported that at 9:13 p.m. on March 10 Georgia troopers were dispatched to the crash.
Upon arrival the investigation determined that a Ford Explorer was traveling north on Bell Creek Road and a Ford Maverick was traveling south on the same road.
“Witnesses stated that the Explorer passed them on a double yellow line at a Hillcrest traveling at a high rate of speed. The front of the Explorer struck the front of the Maverick and overturned onto its left side where it came to final rest. The Maverick rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise where it came to final rest.
The Georgia State Patrols Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is conducting the investigation.
Funeral arrangements were not available at press time.