An Ellijay police officer remained in critical condition Tuesday after a head-on collision that killed his son and mother over the weekend.
Alan Henson, who wrecked Saturday while driving to a 47th birthday celebration, remained at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Henson's mother, 75-year-old Margie Marie Henson, and his 11-year-old son, Kenneth, died in the wreck in Gilmer County, the Georgia State Patrol said. Henson's girlfriend was also seriously injured. Relatives traveling in a vehicle behind Henson's, including an older son, were not injured, police said.
Investigators believe heavy rains that moved through the area may have caused the wreck, Ellijay police Chief Larry Callahan said.
The wreck happened around 6:50 p.m. on Ga. 282, about six miles west of Ellijay, the state patrol said. Henson's Ford hydroplaned, crossed the center line and struck another vehicle, police said. Two people in that vehicle were taken to a local hospital.
Henson underwent surgery Monday and has several broken bones, Callahan said.
Henson, who retired from the military, has spent about four years on the Ellijay force, Callahan said. Henson is one of 10 officers in the small town.
About the Author
