Cobb County

Family: We have no ill will toward driver who caused deadly wreck

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The family of a man who was killed Friday in Cobb County while driving on Interstate 75 said it holds no ill will toward the driver accused of causing a chain reaction crash that killed him.

Christopher Coleman, 24, died at the scene Friday afternoon near Delk Road on I-75, according to his family. His car crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer after another driver made an improper lane change, authorities said.

"He loved to talk, play and laugh," said Curtis Coleman, his older brother. "He had a laugh that was contagious."

Coleman was on his way to see his mother in Marietta that day, his family said. Before moving to Cobb County, he was a respected high school football player at Memorial Day School in Savannah. He loved the Indianapolis Colts, sports and working hard while studying to become an electrician.

"He always held down one or two jobs and he always loved to work," his brother said. "He was definitely someone really dedicated at what he was doing wherever he was at."

He leaves behind four siblings and dreams of starting a family of his own someday.

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Cobb County police arrested Mark Burkhalter, 35, at the scene. They’ve charged him with homicide by vehicle, improper lane change and failure to change address within 60 days.

Coleman's brother says he's not holding anger toward the suspect.

"At the end of the day, it's God's will," Coleman's said. "I don't wish ill will toward anybody, only for justice to be served."

As Christopher Coleman’s family prepares to spend a holiday weekend without him, his brother hopes that another family won’t have to grieve.

“We’re all accountable for the next driver,” said Coleman. “Be conscious of people around you. Don’t risk it.”