Local

Mother says teen was not car surfing before death

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — The mother of a Dawson County High School student killed in an accident says she doesn't accept the initial police report indicating the 16-year-old was perched on the roof of a friend's speeding car before the crash.

Anna Hawkins died Monday when the driver of the vehicle lost control on a turn and ran up an embankment, police said.

"She's very level headed, always and very smart. She wouldn't do that, she made good choices," said Nancy Hawkins, Anna's mother.

Hawkins told Channel 2's Tom Regan that she spoke with two witnesses who saw the vehicle before the accident on Couch Road and neither reported seeing someone on the roof or hood of the car.

A state trooper on the scene reported the 16-year-old driver told him that her friend was sitting on the roof at the time.

Brian Gee, who lives on the road, said he spotted the vehicle moments before it crashed about 9.30 p.m. He said he did not see anyone outside the car.

"I'm positive no one was on top of the vehicle or around the vehicle or anything," Gee told Regan.

Gee said he rushed up to the crash and the driver told him how her friend was thrown from the vehicle.

"The door jarred open, or came open, and she flew out the door at that moment. That's what I was told by the driver," Gee said.

Gee said he has not been interviewed by the Georgia State Patrol. A GPS spokesman said the crash remains under investigation and it could take up to two months to complete. The driver has not been charged.

The family of Anna Hawkins remembered her as an outstanding student and star soccer player who always looked out for others.

"Everyone loved Anna. She has the most beautiful smile. The most beautiful blue eyes and she cared for everyone," Nancy Hawkins said.

A memorial fund has been established to help with the family's funeral expenses. Donations can be made to the "Anna Hawkins Memorial Fund" c/o Nancy Hawkins at the SunTrust Bank in Dawsonville.