Monday, May 5, 2025–10:40 a.m.
-WZQZ Radio-
A 19-year-old male is facing homicide by vehicle charges following a fatal single-vehicle crash in Lyerly, Georgia, on Sunday evening.
According to Georgia State Patrol Trooper Doug Shamblin, the incident occurred on Highway 114 near the solar panel farm.
Jeffry Vega, allegedly driving at a high rate of speed and displaying reckless behavior according to witnesses, was traveling westbound when his van left the roadway and struck a power pole.
The van subsequently overturned, ejecting one passenger who was pronounced dead at the scene.
After ejecting the passenger, the vehicle continued and struck another utility pole before resting on its roof.
Three other passengers were in the vehicle.
Two sustained minor injuries, while another female passenger was transported to Atrium Health Floyd initially and later transferred to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga with critical injuries.
The Georgia State Patrol is still in the process of notifying the deceased passenger’s next of kin.
Jeffry Vega was arrested at the scene and charged with driving without a valid license, failure to maintain a single lane, DUI for alcohol, serious injury by vehicle, and homicide by vehicle in the first degree.
He is currently being held in the Chattooga County Jail.