Names released for driver, 3-year-old killed in fiery crash
WARRENTON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A fiery Christmas Day crash on Interstate 20 killed a 24-year-old man and his 3-year-old goddaughter.
The 1:28 p.m. crash killed driver Ryant Furtick and the child, Neuriah Shannon, who was in the back seat, at mile marker 163, according to the Warren County Coroner’s Office.
The Georgia State Patrol said a tractor-trailer had broken down and was stopped in the emergency lane on the south shoulder of eastbound I-20 near mile marker 163, just before the Washington Highway exit.
For unknown reasons, a Dodge Charger entered the emergency lane and struck the rear of the truck, according to GSP.
After impact, the Charger became engulfed in flames and completely burned.
Once the fire was extinguished, the car was found to have been occupied by Furtick and the girl, according to GSP.
The crash blocked eastbound traffic on the interstate for much of the day.
A Good Samaritan who wished not to be identified said several people stopped to help. They could see that the truck driver was not hurt, but Furtick was pinned in the vehicle.
“We were not able to get him out in time,” the bystander said.
“Our hearts go out to the deceased driver and to his family,” the Good Samaritan said. “So very sad.”
Copyright 2022 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
