ATLANTA,None — The Atlanta Braves said funeral arrangements have been made for the wife of trainer Jeff Porter, after she was struck by a state trooper in the family's SUV late Saturday afternoon.
The crash happened near Memorial Drive and Capitol Avenue in downtown Atlanta on Saturday around 4:30 p.m.
The Atlanta Braves released a statement saying they are deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the accident involving Porter and their thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Porter, his wife, Kathy, their-19 year-old son David and his friend, 18-year-old Courtney Ann Williams, who was also injured, were headed to the Peach Bowl on New Year's Eve. Witnesses said the crash happened in an instant.
A spokesperson for the Georgia State Patrol said one of their own was trying to get to a police chase on Interstate 20 when he drove through the intersection of Memorial Drive and Capitol Avenue.
GSP said the trooper's lights and sirens were warning those in his way, but witnesses said it wasn't enough to avoid hitting the SUV driven by Porter, with his family inside. Some said they didn't hear anything at all.
The truck slammed into a utility pole before coming to rest.
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Jeff Porter was rushed to the hospital with his 19-year-old son, David Porter, and another passenger, but his wife, Kathy Porter, was killed.
A private visitation will be held Tuesday for Porter's family and friends and a private funeral will be held on Wednesday.
The family is asking in lieu of flowers, to please request a memorial be made to Children's Health Care of Atlanta or First Baptist Church of Loganville. Their addresses are as follows:
Children's Health Care of Atlanta
1687 Tullie Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
First Baptist Church of Loganville
680 Tom Brewer Road
Loganville, GA 30052
GSP said it is investigating whether Trooper First Class Donald Crozier, a 10-year veteran, was at fault for the crash.
If you would like to offer you condolences you can also sign the online guest book for Kathy Porter.
WSBTV
