5 killed, 2 hurt in west Ga. head-on crash

TROUP COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities told Channel 2 Action News that a violent, head-on collision has killed five people, including a 1-year-old boy.

The accident happened on GA-14 in Troup County Friday night.  The Georgia State Patrol said 23-year-old Melanie Kay Lemmon was driving a Pontiac Grand Am when Willie Hooks, 28, ignored a no-passing zone and slammed into Lemmon’s car.   Hooks died.  Lemmon and three passengers in her car also died:  37-year-old Miranda Hurston, her 16-year-old son, Tridarius Harrison, and her 1-year-old grandson, Quamauri Harrison.

“We’re all heartbroken,” said Stacy Laye, Hurston’s sister.  “We not only lost a sister, I lost my nephew and a great-nephew in the accident. I have two nieces (who are) fighting for their life as well.”

Jayvianna Hurston, 15, was a passenger in Lemmon’s car.  She survived the wreck and was flown to Atlanta Medical Center.  Her 18-year-old sister, Shaquavious Harrison, was flown to Columbus Medical Center.  The family said both teens suffered head trauma.

“No family deserves to go through this situation,” said Laye.

Laye spoke with Channel 2’s Alina Machado at the crash site.  A memorial of crosses and flowers now sit just feet from the road where the deadly accident happened.  David Dodson, Lemmon’s fiancé, also talked about his loved one.  He said Lemmon was giving Hurston and her family a ride when the crash happened.

“She was just a great person,” said Dodson.  “Anybody who knew her, she was an angel.”

Dodson and Laye hope others will learn from their pain.

“All I can say is people should just slow down (because) the car you might hit might contain someone really special to somebody,” said Dodson.

“Just keep praying for us, just pray for us,” said Laye. “We’re going through a lot right now.”

Authorities believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash. They said blood was drawn from Hooks for testing.

WSBTV