An east Cobb County grandfather was just 100 yards from home when he was hit by an oncoming car and killed Friday night.
Rob Higginbotham, a 61-year-old local businessman, was turning left onto Powers Road from Johnson Ferry Road when his Mercedes convertible was hit by a white Mercedes sedan, Cobb County police investigators said.
His daughter, Mary Smith, told Channel 2 Action News the impact was so violent, it sent Higginbotham’s car flying across the road. His death has devastated her family, she said.
“He loved so hard,” Smith told Channel 2. “He was so outgoing. He couldn’t wait to take my son to Braves games, and he couldn’t wait to take him bass fishing.”
The 19-year-old driver of the sedan was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital when authorities arrived about 11:20 p.m. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Dozens of people rushed out of their homes after hearing the crash, neighbors told Channel 2. Will Hakes said he, his wife and his neighbor helped the driver of the sedan, who was trapped inside his car.
They also tried to help Higginbotham, who was ejected from his vehicle and died at the scene.
“We walked over to the gentleman who was possibly deceased, and my wife was just saying prayers, and we were just waiting," Hakes said.
The crash happened hours after another deadly wreck on I-75 that killed a retired Atlanta Municipal Court judge.
RELATED: Retired Atlanta judge dies after car wreck on I-75 in Cobb, officials say
Elaine Carlisle, 65, died at Kennestone Hospital after she lost control on the ramp from I-285 to I-75 South, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
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