A tragic accident claimed the life of a man on Saturday afternoon, October 26, 2024, in Candler County. Authorities are seeking public assistance in locating a vehicle involved in the fatal hit-and-run.
Around 4:40 p.m., Bulloch County 911 received a call reporting a pedestrian struck on I-16 near mile marker 106 in the eastbound lane. Candler County Sheriff’s Deputies and Candler EMS responded to the scene and discovered a man fatally injured on the shoulder of the highway. The victim had reportedly pulled over to change a tire when a vehicle struck him and fled the scene.
Authorities are searching for a white pickup truck, possibly a Dodge or Ford model driven by a white male, believed to be involved in the hit-and-run. There will be damage to the front/passenger side area of the white truck.
Georgia State Patrol’s Trooper First Class James Turner has been assigned to investigate the crash, and he has called in the GSP Specialized Crash Reconstruction Team (SCRT) for additional support. Candler County Deputy Coroner Jamie Anderson and Deputy Coroner Darien McCray have responded to the crash to assist as well. The victims name has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
As of now, one eastbound lane on I-16 near the crash site remains closed. Motorists are advised to drive with caution through the area until the investigation concludes.