Friend says man killed in freak accident helped change his life

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The friend of a man killed in a wreck along Interstate 20 last week says the victim, Ryan Nelson, played a major role in changing his life.

A woman sent Channel 2 Action News video showing a driver inside a white car losing control and sideswiping a gray car, forcing it to spin across all lanes and crash into a wall Friday.

Cobb County police confirmed that debris hit the white car and caused the accident that left Nelson dead.

Keith Walton witnessed the crash but had no idea it involved his friend, 33-year-old Nelson.

"I lost a really good friend," Walton said.

Walton said he is haunted by how he happened to see the crash in his rear-view mirror.

"I seen the white car come across. I said, 'Oh my gosh, I hope they're OK,' said a prayer and went about my day," Walton said.

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Friends of Nelson said he worked on movie and TV sets, he loved filmmaking and loved making a difference in his friends' lives.

"I'm clean. I'm sober. I've got a family and it's all because of his wisdom, his courage, to reach out, to stay connected with me, and help me change my life," Walton said.

Faith is what friends are relying on as they pray for Nelson's grieving parents and family.

“I'll be there for them because their son was there for me when I needed it the most,” Walton said.

Police said they do not expect to file any charges in the case.

Cox Media Group