Athens Woman Dies Days After Crashing Into Tree, Police Investigating

ATHENS, Georgia – Athens-Clarke County police are investigating a fatal crash that left a local woman dead days after the incident.

On March 6, 2026, at approximately 5:15 a.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Cedar Shoals Drive and Whit Davis Road.

Investigators determined that a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta was traveling eastbound on Cedar Shoals Drive when it left the roadway and struck a tree.

The driver and sole occupant, 32-year-old Rochelle Jones of Athens, was transported to a local hospital with what initially appeared to be minor injuries.

Authorities later learned her injuries were more serious. Jones died from those injuries on March 11.

Officials said this marks the third fatal crash in Athens-Clarke County in 2026.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Senior Police Officer Santos at 762-400-7258 or by email at Joshua.Santos@accgov.com.