Two Fatal Crashes in Athens-Clarke County on December 17

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is investigating two fatal vehicle accidents that occurred on December 17, 2024.

The first crash occurred around 3:00 PM at the intersection of Commerce Rd and Sandy Creek Rd. A black 2004 Toyota Camry, driven by 74-year-old Dorothy Evans of Commerce, GA, was traveling south in the northbound lanes of Commerce Rd when it collided with a black 2020 Kia Rio traveling north in the outside lane. The front corner of the Toyota struck the front driver’s corner of the Kia. Evans was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The 32-year-old female driver of the Kia, from Athens, GA, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. This marks the 9th fatal crash in Athens-Clarke County in 2024.

Later that evening, at approximately 8:30 PM, a second crash occurred near the intersection of Macon Hwy and Garden Ln. A Toyota MR2 traveling east on Macon Hwy struck the rear of a Jeep Gladiator that had turned out from a driveway. The Toyota left the roadway and came to rest in a vacant lot. The 30-year-old driver of the Toyota, from Athens, GA, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital. The front seat passenger, 56-year-old Edward Nadeau of Commerce, GA, was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The 30-year-old male driver of the Jeep, from Braselton, GA, sustained minor injuries. This is the 10th fatal crash in Athens-Clarke County in 2024.

Both incidents are under active investigation, and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact the investigating officers.