Four people were killed, including a teenager, and five others were injured Sunday in a five-vehicle crash on I-75 South in Bartow County, authorities confirmed.
The deadly wreck happened at around 6 p.m. just north of the Red Top Mountain Road exit, according to the Georgia State Patrol. A Kia van was traveling north when it crossed the median and entered the southbound lanes, colliding with a Chevrolet Tahoe and a Toyota 4Runner, the GSP said. Those vehicles were then struck by a commercial vehicle. The Chevy was also hit in the rear by a Hyundai SUV, officials said.
The victims in the Kia were identified as 43-year-old Dakarai Mason, 35-year-old Erin Mason and 14-year-old Brandon Crawford by the Bartow coroner. The driver of the Toyota, 21-year-old Aimee Odom, was also killed. All four were from Cartersville.
The driver of the Chevy was flown to the hospital, while two passengers in the Kia and two people in the Hyundai were also transported.
Holly Springs police told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Erin Mason was a “civilian employee” with the department.
“We lost a beloved member of our Holly Springs Police Department family. Please keep the family of Erin and Dakarai Mason in your thoughts and prayers,” the department posted on social media.
In a Facebook post, Bartow County Schools said Crawford was a student at Cass High School.
“Brandon was only a freshman, but he made his mark as a Colonel, always ‘loving blue and living gold’ before he suddenly passed away in a car accident over the weekend,” the post said.
Crawford played on the school’s football team and took honors courses as part of the International Studies Magnet Program, the district said.
“Students and staff say his energy, larger-than-life smile, laugh and infectious personality made Brandon a standout at Hamilton Crossing Elementary School, Cass Middle School and CHS,” the post said.
— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
