Cobb County

Longtime Atlanta judge killed in crash on I-75, police say

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — UPDATE: Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms has released a statement on Judge Carlisle’s death:

“The thoughts of the City of Atlanta are with the family, friends and loved ones of Judge Elaine Carlisle. Judge Carlisle truly had a servant’s heart and worked tirelessly to uplift the Atlanta community with her volunteer efforts. Judge Carlisle leaves behind an accomplished career, and the admiration and respect of all those who had the honor of knowing her.”

A longtime Atlanta municipal court judge was killed in a crash on I-75 on Friday, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

The crash happened near Cumberland Boulevard around noon Friday.

GSP said Judge Elaine Carlisle. 65, was not wearing a seat belt when she left the road, crossed a grass median and entered the eastbound lanes.

Carlisle's Mercedes plowed into a white Chevrolet van in the far right lane. After hitting the van, the Mercedes traveled across the southbound lanes and hit a concrete median.

Carlisle suffered serious head injuries and was taken to the hospital, where she died.

Carlisle was retired.

The driver of the van, Freddie Hodge, 38, was treated for minor injuries at the hospital.

The GSP is still investigating the cause of the crash. Officers are not sure what caused Carlisle to lose control of the car.