Fatal Crash in Sumter County Under Investigation After Body Found in Burning Vehicle

SUMTER COUNTY, Ga. – Authorities are investigating a deadly crash after an unidentified person was found inside a vehicle that was fully engulfed in flames early Sunday morning on Georgia Highway 49 South.

Sumter County deputies responded around 5:01 a.m. December 28 to a reported vehicle accident in the 2400 block of GA Hwy 49 South. When deputies arrived, they discovered a vehicle on fire. After the flames were addressed, investigators located human remains inside the vehicle.

Due to the extensive damage, deputies requested assistance from the Georgia State Patrol to investigate the crash. The condition of the vehicle made identification difficult, and the remains were turned over to the Sumter County Coroner’s Office.

Later that day, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol issued a public request for information regarding any missing persons who may have been driving a silver Lincoln MKS. Law enforcement was subsequently contacted by a family reporting a missing relative who drove a similar vehicle.

Authorities later confirmed the vehicle involved belonged to the missing family member. The victim has been tentatively identified, but the name is being withheld pending positive identification by the Sumter County Coroner and the Georgia Crime Lab.

The Georgia State Patrol Post 10 continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the post directly.

Sheriff Eric D. Bryant thanked the Sumter County Fire Department and the Sumter County Fire Marshal for their assistance and extended condolences to the victim’s family.