Jones County Man Charged in Fatal UTV Crash That Killed His Wife

JONES COUNTY, GA – The Jones County Sheriff’s Office has released new details in a fatal off-road vehicle crash that claimed the life of a woman late last month and has now led to criminal charges against her husband.

Deputies were called to Barron Russell Road around 2:30 a.m. on December 28, 2025, after reports of a crash involving a side-by-side utility terrain vehicle. Investigators determined that Zachary and Allison Schwartz, who were married, were traveling along the roadway when their vehicle struck a tree that had recently fallen across the road.

Authorities said the impact caused Allison Schwartz to be ejected from the UTV. She was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. Zachary Schwartz suffered minor injuries and was taken to Atrium Medical Center for treatment.

During the initial investigation, deputies said they found evidence suggesting drugs and alcohol may have played a role in the crash. Investigators also uncovered signs that evidence had been tampered with, which they believe was an attempt to prevent it from being discovered. Based on those findings, the case was upgraded from a traffic investigation to a criminal investigation.

After completing that investigation, deputies obtained charges against Zachary Schwartz, including first-degree vehicular homicide, DUI less safe, DUI refusal, possession of marijuana, and reckless driving.

On January 12, 2026, Schwartz turned himself in to authorities to face the charges.

The sheriff’s office described the case as a tragic incident and said their thoughts remain with the family and loved ones affected by the loss. The investigation has now moved into the court system as the case proceeds.