An area man returning from broadcasting a football game in Claxton was killed in a violent collision on Highway 301 South about 11 p.m. Friday night.
The man, later identified as Johnathan Vreeland, 24, from Hinesville, was initially taken to East Georgia Regional Medical Center with critical injuries, but died at the hospital.
Georgia State Trooper Matt Davis said a silver Ford pickup truck with its headlights off for "an unknown reason" pulled out onto Highway 301 from Olliff Road and "drifted" into the northbound lane. Davis said a Ford Escape with a driver and a passenger then struck the pickup truck, which created most of the nearly 100-yard debris field on 301.
"The pickup truck didn't have its lights on and just pulled out," said Kimberly Haralson, who witnessed the wreck. "Then there was just a loud bang. It was very scary."
The driver of the pickup was identified as Claudio Perez, 31. He was taken to the hospital, but did not suffer significant injuries. According to the GSP, he faces the following charges: Homicide by vehicle first degree/felony, serious injury by vehicle, DUI less safe alcohol, driving without a valid license/misdemeanor, improper use of center lane, failure to yield when turning left.
The accident took place on Highway 301 about one mile north of Highway 46, near the Bo Knows Signs building.
Davis said the passenger, Vreeland, suffered "severe," possible life-threatening injuries and was taken to EGRMC, where he later died. The driver of the Escape did not suffer serious injuries, Davis said.
According to eyewitnesses, the passengers in the Escape were returning from the Bulloch Academy-Claxton High football game played Friday night in Claxton.
According to Inside Radio, Vreeland was a host at WMCD “106.5 The Boro,” in Rocky Ford, a Foundry Broadcasting station, which broadcast the game Friday night.
A combination of about a dozen state trooper and Bulloch County Sheriff Office vehicles responded to the scene, along with two fire engines and emergency vehicles.
Highway 301 remained closed until 3 a.m. Saturday while the mass debris was cleaned up.
