Zoie Marie Atkinson, 19, Killed in Head-On Crash in Carnesville, Georgia; Woman and Two Children Seriously Injured, Charges Pending

A tragic multi-vehicle crash in Franklin County, Georgia, has claimed the life of 19-year-old Zoie Marie Atkinson of Carnesville, while leaving three others, including two children, seriously injured, authorities reported.

The collision occurred Monday afternoon at approximately 4:35 p.m. on Stone Bridge Road, south of Andrews Road. Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 52 in Hartwell, along with local emergency responders, were dispatched to the scene.

Preliminary reports indicate a silver 2018 Dodge Challenger, traveling westbound, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a red 2010 Ford Fusion driven by Atkinson. The force of the impact caused both vehicles to rotate roughly 90 degrees before separating. Atkinson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Dodge Challenger, 66-year-old Debra Ann Smith of Carnesville, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina. Two children in the back seat of Atkinson’s vehicle — a 10-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy, both from Carnesville — were also seriously injured. The girl was airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the boy was transported by Franklin County EMS to Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Authorities said Stone Bridge Road remained closed for several hours while emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene. The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) assisted in determining the cause of the crash.

Officials noted that no impairment is currently suspected, but the investigation is ongoing. Charges are pending as investigators continue to review evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to the collision.

The death of Zoie Marie Atkinson and the injuries of others have deeply impacted the Carnesville community. Authorities plan to release further details as the investigation progresses.