Police ID men killed in wreck on South Cobb Drive

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Cobb County police say speed and alcohol played a factor in their first fatal crash of the year.

Police say that a driver and his passenger were both killed when their car came speeding down Westside Drive, lost control and ran off an embankment.

Family members were at the scene of the crash for much the afternoon Wednesday. They told Channel 2’s Ashley Swann the driver, 28-year-old Marquis Parker and his passenger, 31-year-old Fernando Edwards were cousins who were very close and well-liked in their community. Police said Marietta officer pulled Parker over around 5 a.m. Parker stopped, at first, but then took off. The officer did not give chase, but police said Parker sped away at more than twice the 25 mile an hour speed limit, crashing about a quarter mile later.

"Just read on Facebook last night that they were on Pappadeaux having dinner, getting ready to go out and celebrate the new year and of course this is what we wake up to this morning," said relative Demetria Walker. "It's rough, it's hard on the family. We just ask that everyone keep us in their prayers as we go through this situation."

Family members said they have a lot of questions about the crash, including why Parker took off and why the two weren't wearing seatbelts.

WSBTV