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The Clayton Tribune
A 14-year-old passenger died Saturday night in a one-vehicle accident off Cox Lake Rd. in Mountain City.
Noah Owens, 14, was the passenger in a 2006 Volvo XC90 driven by Zackery Lee Garner, 20 of Clayton.
The Volvo was traveling south on Cox Lake Rd. It crossed the center line of the road and exited to the roadway to the left and traveled
into the ditch on the east shoulder of Cox Lake Rd., according to information from Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Post 7 in Toccoa.
Garner attempted to recover the vehicle and over corrected, causing the Volvo to rollover when it reentered the roadway, GSP stated.
The Volvo overturned and crossed the roadway striking a tree with its front.
The Volvo came to uncontrolled rest on the west shoulder of Cox Lake Rd. and was facing north on its right side.
Owens was “thrown from the vehicle and pinned under the overturning vehicle,” GSP noted.
The accident occurred at approximately 8:49 p.m. on Cox Lake Rd. at Devonshire Ln., GSP stated.
Garner had no apparent injury and was charged with homicide by vehicle 2nd degree, reckless driving, driver to exercise due care,
too fast for conditions, driving while unlicensed, failure to maintain lane and no seat belt, according to GSP.
A fundraising effort has been created on Facebook for the Owens family “to help with any expenses they might have in the coming days,” the Facebook page notes.
To donate, visit https://www.facebook.com/donate/231551338122638/