Local News
19-year-old Zoie Atkinson killed in multi-vehicle crash in Franklin County
CARNESVILLE, Ga. — A 19-year-old woman was killed and three others, including two children, were seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in Franklin County, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Authorities identified the victim as Zoie Marie Atkinson, 19, of Carnesville. She was pronounced dead at the scene following the violent head-on collision.
The crash occurred at approximately 4:35 p.m. on Stone Bridge Road, south of Andrews Road.
Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 52 in Hartwell, along with local first responders, were dispatched to the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate that a silver 2018 Dodge Challenger, traveling westbound, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a red 2010 Ford Fusion driven by Atkinson.
Investigators say the force of the impact caused both vehicles to rotate approximately 90 degrees before separating.
The driver of the Dodge Challenger, identified as 66-year-old Debra Ann Smith of Carnesville, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina.
Two children riding in the back seat of the Ford Fusion — a 10-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy, both from Carnesville — were also seriously injured in the crash.
The girl was airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Medical Center, while the boy was transported by Franklin County EMS to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office reported that Stone Bridge Road remained closed for several hours as emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene.
The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) responded to assist in determining the exact cause of the crash.
At this time, officials say no impairment is suspected as a contributing factor. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending as troopers continue to review evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to the collision.
The tragic death of Zoie Marie Atkinson and the serious injuries sustained by others have deeply affected the Carnesville community.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as the investigation progresses.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.